Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday said a decision on any action against IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta and wrestling referee Virender Malik will be taken only after going through a report on the charges against them.
Mehta and Malik were arrested in Glasgow on different charges causing much embarrassment to the Indian contingent which had gone to participate in the 20th Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
While Mehta was arrested for alleged drunken driving, Malik was detained on a charge of sexual assault. The charges have triggered demands for serious action against them.
“We are going to get the details of the incident after the hearing. We are awaiting the report,” said Mr. Sonowal.
“Depending on what is there in the report, we will take a stand,” the Minister added.
The two officials will be produced before the court later on Monday.
Asked if specific guidelines will be issued to the officials, travelling with the contingent in future, the Minister said, “This is a question of prestige of the country. So everyone, whosoever participates in these kind of events, we must always see that the country’s prestige does not get hurt.”
Meanwhile, legendary athlete Milkha Singh said the Government must take stern action against the officials.
“Our athletes did the country proud at the Commonwealth Games but because of these officials, our country draws a bad name. Government should take action. They have misbehaved and their actions are a blot on the country’s reputation,” said Singh.
“These officials should be banned from going abroad in future. Tomorrow when other officials go in a foreign country, they should know how to conduct themselves,” he added.
