T20 manager faces a bouncer

Women cricketers demand action against Chamundi for seeking sexual favours from them

Samarth Pathak Delhi Hardnews

V Chamundeshwarinath, manager of the Indian squad in ICC world T-20 championship, has reportedly asked for police protection as he "fears for his life by rivals in the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA)". In a petition filed at the Banjara Hills police station in Hyderabad on June 22, it is believed that 'Chamundi' (as he's known by his colleagues) claimed to be under threat from officials of the association in Vijaywada and Vizag, without naming anyone in particular. His request is under consideration, according to police officials. This takes a new turn in the already murky Chamundi saga, learnt Hardnews.

Taking note of the serious allegations of seeking sexual favours from women players and allegedly misappropriating Rs 2 crore from the association leveled against him, the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) had suspended Chamundi from the post of general secretary on June 18.

Chamundi was accused of "misbehaving with women players during training camps" by former Andhra Pradesh women's cricket team captain, Savita Kumari, in a written complaint filed with the ACA. On June 23, a group of women cricketers from Andhra Pradesh even met the state home minister P Sabita Reddy, seeking action against Chamundi for his alleged sexual advances towards them. Durga Bhavani, a player, told reporters, "He sent objectionable SMS's and made phone calls at odd hours." Reddy reportedly assured the players that their complain would be forwarded to the DGP and an inquiry would be held by a special officer.

According to media reports, Kumari was called for a meeting with the executive committee of the ACA, where she described her harrowing experiences and also submitted a written statement. Hardnews learnt that Kumari's allegations were one of the reasons that prompted the ACA to relieve Chamundi of his duties.

Gokaraju Gangaraju, president of the ACA, was quoted by a newspaper as saying, "We received complaints by some women cricketers accusing the team manager of seeking sexual favours in return for a place in the team. We have decided to suspend Chamundi from the association till his case is finalised, and issue a show cause notice to him to prove his innocence." Chamundi has reportedly been given time till July 26 to prove the allegations wrong, when the next general meeting of the association is scheduled to be held. Gangaraju, meanwhile, will be the acting secretary till then, as per the ACA executive committee resolve.

Irregularities found in Chamundi's deal with an unknown company involving purchase of chairs for the Vishakhapatnam Cricket Stadium is also a reason behind his suspension, suggest sources. Chamundi is alleged to have placed an order for 24,000 chairs costing Rs 1,350 each. However, a report submitted by an enquiry committee at the executive meeting reportedly estimated the cost of one chair at Rs 600.  A similar deal involving Chamundi to purchase lighting equipment and floodlights has not materialised as yet, said ACA officials.

Meanwhile, Chamundi claims he is prepared to defend himself against the allegations. "The fact that the decision (to suspend me) has come in my absence shows a sinister motive. The timing of the meeting shows the desperation of some members to get the decision through in my absence," he was quoted as saying by a media report. Chamundi was in London when the meeting took place, two days before he returned to India. "I am not involved in the selection procedure, least of all women's teams. I understand that an enquiry committee has already submitted a report in my absence and deemed me guilty. Is it not unfair that I was not given a chance to prove the allegations wrong?" he is believed to have said.