Hockey India to sue Kirti Azad
Hockey India (HI) decided to file civil and criminal defamation suits against former India cricketer and suspended BJP MP Kirti Azad for discrediting the federation with allegations of corruption. The suits including the civil case for Rs.10 crore would be filed early next week. According to HI, Azad's continuous allegations against the sporting body have tarnished its image and cost Hockey India its sponsorship.
What is Hockey India?
Hockey India is the apex body of the country which governs and conducts all activities for both men and women hockey in India. Established in 2009, it was formed after the Indian Hockey Federation was dismissed in 2008 by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
Kirti Azad questions Jaitley family's involvement in HI
Kirti Azad went public with allegations over alleged irregularities in the DDCA abd questioned Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on his role in the case. Azad also made allegations against Jaitley and his family's alleged involvement in Hockey India (HI). Azad asked how much money was paid to Jaitley's daughter and son-in-law (who are active members in HI), over the past five years for consultancy.
KPS Gill says Jaitley influenced daughter's appointment
After Kirti Azad, former police officer, KPS Gill launched allegations against Arun Jaitley. Gill said Arun Jaitley made his daughter, Sonali Jaitley, the counsel of HI when he was member of the advisory body and had facilitated huge amounts as her fee. Gill wrote to Delhi's Chief Minister urging a probe into Mr. Jaitley's 'conflict of interest' and his role in his daughter's appointment.
Gill calls for Jaitley's resignation
Gill demanded that Arun Jaitley resign as Union Minister or as member of advisory body of Hockey India League (HIL) for "conflict of interest". In his letter, Gill asked the Delhi CM to scan the list of office bearers, various committees formed in HIL and misappropriation of funds.
HI chief Narinder Batra's response
HI President Narinder Batra rebutted Gill's allegations of Arun Jaitley's "conflict of interest" in the national hockey body. Batra said Gill's charges were baseless and it was just a "creation" by the banned Indian Hockey Federation chief (Gill) to settle scores with him. Admitting that Jaitley's daughter fought one of the many cases for HI, Batra said it was unfair to attach any motives.
