Hyderabad, June 24: Based on a complaint received from women cricketers, Home Minister P Sabitha Indra Reddy on Tuesday directed DGP SSP Yadav to constitute an inquiry committee headed by a senior IPS officer to probe into alleged ‘highhanded and objectionable’ behaviour of suspended Andhra Cricket Association secretary V Chamunmdeswarinath. It is learnt that Additional DGP (Recruitment) M Ratan will be heading the probe panel. The Minister held oneon- one’s with each of the women cricketers (victims) before ordering the inquiry.
The latest twist in the murky ACA story came a day after Chamundeswarinath, who is facing allegations of corruption and favouritism besides sexual misconduct, sought police protection, fearing threat to his life from association president Gokaraju Gangaraju and other officebearers.
The nine-member women cricketers’ delegation was led by Visakha Cricket Association vice-president Vishnu Kumar Raju and ACA vicepresident P Narayanaswamy.
They submitted a memorandum to the Home Minister at the Secretariat this morning, demanding action against Chamundeswarinath for sexually harassing women players.
Members of the delegation hail from Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Bhimavaram and other parts of the State.
Speaking to Express, Vishnu Kumar Raju said several women cricketers had gone through an agonising time due to the ‘indecent’ behaviour of the suspended ACA secretary.
He alleged that Chamundeswarinath took undue advantage of the players, forcing them to come alone to gym in Vijayawada.
‘‘He used to send SMSs to women cricketers around 3 a.m. (past midnight) asking them to call back if they were alone. He would also ask players to hug him for any achievement. A simple thank you wouldn’t do for him. Such things took place on several occasions,’’ he explained.
Vishnu further said the complaints against Chamundeswarinath could be proved if the government tracked his phone bills of the last six months.
–Agencies–