Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) Secretary, Mr.Jothikumaran had to quit his post in a disgraceful manner. He was caught in a sting operation by a vernacular News Channel, ‘Aaaj Tak’ which exposed him accepting cash of Rs.2/-Lakhs alleged to be in part payment by way of gratification to include a particular player in the Indian Team for the Azhan Shah Tournament.
He had to resign following the advice of Mr.M.S.Gill who had promised a detailed enquiry into the incident.
According to the channel which had conducted the ‘sting operation’, the total amount to be paid was Rs.5 lakhs out of which Rs.2 lakhs was paid in two installments on April 10th and 11th. The balance was to have been paid to his contact man.
Mr.Jothikumaran’s version about the incident was that he had negotiated a proposal to conduct an international tournament in India and he did not indulge in any corrupt practice. The matter has been twisted to project him as a corrupt official.
Irrespective of merit and demerits of the case which when comes out the entire matter would have been forgotten, it is yet another black mark in the Indian Hockey History.
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