Sports ministry sets-up committee to probe sexual harassment charges

NEW DELHI - In the wake of charges of sexual harassment in the women’s hockey team, the sports ministry Thursday formed a five-member committee, headed by director Sarada Ali Khan, to investigate the charges levelled against former coach Maharaj Krishan Kaushik.

“Sports ministry has decided to entrust the enquiry in the matter of allegations of sexual harassment against former women hockey coach to the Ministry’s ‘Committee on Sexual Harassment’,” the ministry said in a statement.

Director Deepika Kachhal will work in the committee as the special counsellor. The committee also includes deputy secretary Thanglemlian and private secretary Padma Memon.

Bulbul Das, advocate and member in-charge law and legislation, is also in the committee along with Delhi Commission for Women member Yasmin Khan.

“The committee shall conduct enquiry into the allegations and submit its report at the earliest,” the ministry said.

Kaushik had resigned after a player Ranjitha Devi alleged that she was sexually harassed during the recent Canada and China tours.

HI had also formed five-member inquiry committee and had forward its findings to Delhi Police.