A serious allegation about extortion at gunpoint during the National School Games in Manipur created a stir on Monday. The claim came from a parent of a young athlete. He later retracted his statement, calling it a miscommunication.
Video Sparks Immediate Concern
A video posted on social media showed a man named Sunil Sunda. He complained about train ticket arrangements for the games. In the clip, he made a startling accusation. Sunda claimed that Kukis stopped the children at gunpoint for two hours. He said they took money from the team.
The video spread quickly online. It raised immediate alarm among authorities. The Manipur Youth and Sports Department took swift action. Director Mayengbam Veto Singh wrote to the Imphal West district Superintendent of Police. He requested necessary legal action be taken.
Official Investigation Reveals No Complaint
Government officials began looking into the matter. They discovered an important fact. The Rajasthan delegation had not filed any official police complaint about the incident. The team participated in the Under-19 Wushu and Archery events. These events were held in Imphal from January 14 to 18.
A government official provided details about the team's travel. "We asked all teams to inform us about their travel plans," the official explained. "This allows us to organize proper security arrangements. However, this team did not inform us. They traveled by road from Dimapur to Imphal during the night of January 12 and 13."
Contradictory Statements Emerge
The official continued with more information. "After arriving in Imphal and throughout their stay, they reported nothing unusual. Once we saw the video, the Imphal police station SHO contacted them. What they told police differed from the video claims. They said there was no extortion at gunpoint. The matter is still being examined, but no formal police complaint exists."
Parent Retracts Allegation
Sunil Sunda later spoke to The Indian Express about the situation. He clarified his earlier statements. "Since we don't make videos usually, maybe there was some mistake in how we spoke," Sunda said. "We didn't realize the matter would escalate so much."
He provided a different version of events. "When we were traveling, some people stopped us. They took our driver aside for some time. However, the team was not extorted. I miscommunicated the situation."
The National School Games Championship featured 31 teams in Wushu events alone. The Rajasthan team was among these participants. They left Imphal on Monday, the same day the video circulated widely.
Questions Remain About Security Protocols
This incident highlights several important issues. It shows how quickly social media can spread alarming claims. It also raises questions about security protocols for traveling sports teams. The fact that teams can travel without informing local authorities presents challenges.
Sports officials emphasize the importance of proper communication. They want all visiting teams to share their travel plans. This allows for appropriate security arrangements in sensitive regions like Manipur.
The retraction brings some relief, but concerns linger. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. They want to ensure the safety of all athletes participating in national events.
