Asunta Lakra Accuses Hockey India Secretary General of Threats
Former India women's hockey captain Asunta Lakra has alleged that Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh threatened her with consequences after she raised objections to the sexual harassment of girls at the Eklavya Training Centre in Jharkhand. Lakra, a member of Hockey India's executive board and selection committee, along with several international women players from Jharkhand, sent a written complaint to Jharkhand Sports Minister Sudivya Kumar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren's office.
Details of the Alleged Threat
Lakra told the media on Thursday night that Singh threatened her in May while she was attending to her ailing father. "He was incredibly rude and told me to 'behave' after I raised the sexual harassment case at the Eklavya Centre against Sudhir Golla," she said. Golla, a former coach at the centre, faces allegations of sexual misconduct. Lakra added that Golla continues to claim there is no suspension letter and has threatened the girls, saying he will ruin their careers. She also alleged that officials conspired to obtain a complaint letter from a girl accusing Lakra of mental harassment and threatening to remove her from camps and her job, calling the claim preposterous.
Letter Signed by 31 Individuals
In a letter dated June 29, signed by over 31 individuals, including 15 international players from Jharkhand, the group accused officials of backing Golla. The letter stated that Golla committed sexual harassment against girls and boys and used casteist slurs, and that he appears to have full backing from Hockey India officials. When well-wishers and international players raised the matter, they were threatened and told to 'stay within our limits.'
Background of the Case
Golla was part of the coaching staff of India's U-18 team for a home series against Australia in Bhopal but was asked to leave after sexual misconduct allegations surfaced. A complaint of dereliction of duty and sexual misconduct was filed with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Jharkhand, leading to his removal from the centre, with a woman coach assigned pending inquiry.
Denials and Counterclaims
Bhola Nath Singh denied the allegations, telling The Tribune on Friday that he comes from a respectable family and has never misbehaved with any woman member. However, Syed Asima Ali, Vice-President of Hockey India, confirmed that the sexual harassment issue was discussed during an executive board meeting, where Singh tried to shout at both Lakra and her. Ali said she intervened and questioned why the Internal Complaints Committee was not involved, warning Singh that his actions fall under the POSH Act, after which he stopped.
