The Haryana sports department has suspended a woman junior athletic coach who had earlier lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against Sandeep Singh, a minister of state in the Haryana government and a former captain of the Indian hockey team, accusing him of sexual misconduct. The suspension has prompted speculation and concerns about the reasons behind the move.
In a surprising turn of events, the suspension order, dated August 11, was issued by Yashendra Singh, the director of the sports department. The order, however, does not explicitly state the reasons for the suspension. The coach, who had filed the FIR in December 2022 in Union Territory Chandigarh against Singh, claims that her refusal to strike a deal and settle the case is the underlying cause of her suspension.
The suspended coach, identified only as “Ms. …,” was posted as a junior athletic coach in the office of the district sports officer in Panchkula. The order reads, “The services of Ms…., Junior Athletic Coach, (posted in the office of) district sports officer, Panchkula are placed under suspension with immediate effect without prejudice.”
Singh, who is also an ex-captain of the Indian hockey team, was booked by the Chandigarh Police on December 31, 2022, on charges of sexual harassment based on the woman’s complaint. The FIR against him was registered in Chandigarh under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including assault, sexual harassment, and criminal intimidation.
The woman coach alleges that she received the suspension order at her residence on a Monday evening, even though she had attended the office earlier that day. In response to the suspension, she conveyed her determination not to yield to pressure or compromise on the case.
During the suspension period, as outlined in the order, the junior coach will receive a subsistence allowance according to Haryana Civil Services rules. Her position during the suspension will remain at the office of the district sports officer in Panchkula.
The case has attracted attention not only for the serious allegations against a government minister but also due to the suspension of the complainant after her actions brought the accusations to light. While the investigation continues, the events underscore the complexities of addressing allegations of misconduct within the corridors of power and the broader implications for accountability and justice.
As questions mount over the suspension and its potential motivations, the incident raises important discussions about the protection of whistleblowers, the independence of investigations, and the necessity of ensuring a safe environment for individuals who come forward with allegations of misconduct.
Sources By Agencies
