Telangana basketball body suspends Prudhvishwar Reddy

HYDERABAD: The Telangana basketball administration has suspended Telangana Basketball Association (TBA) general secretary A. Prudhvishwar Reddy following an initiative by the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), according to information available on the matter.

The action was taken at a special executive committee meeting held at the Telangana Olympic Association building on August 7, according to sources. TBA joint secretary A. Vishnu Kumar Goud is expected to take additional charge as general secretary, sources said.

BFI examines complaints involving women, minor players

The development is being seen as a strong signal that violations involving women, whether through words or actions, will not be tolerated, according to the source.

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Apart from the POCSO case registered against Prudhvishwar Reddy, the BFI is also understood to have taken seriously an allegation that he personally accompanied a sub-junior girls’ team comprising minors to a national-level tournament without a woman coach or woman manager.

The issue of the safety of minor girls, along with complaints reportedly received from a woman coach and women players, was also examined, according to sources. These factors are understood to have contributed to the suspension action against Prudhvishwar Reddy.

Treasurer Chandrashekar’s role also comes under scrutiny

Meanwhile, questions are also being raised over the role of TBA treasurer N. Chandrashekar.

The association is understood to have strongly condemned allegedly derogatory and inappropriate language used by Chandrashekar towards women players who had represented the state in the past.

Details relating to his conduct, his manner of dealing with women and his behaviour at an executive committee meeting are also understood to have reached the BFI, according to sources.

Questions have also been raised over money reportedly due to four women players from the BFI but which allegedly did not reach them.

Amid these questions, Chandrashekar is facing criticism for allegedly distancing himself from financial matters by saying, “I have not signed anywhere… I have no connection.”

His response, despite his role as treasurer, has raised further questions over his involvement and responsibilities in the association’s financial affairs. Sports circles are calling for clarity on his role and accountability.

Another financial issue has also come to light. There are serious allegations that several crores of rupees changed hands during leagues organised recently by the TBA and that funds were allegedly routed through companies linked to people close to Prudhvishwar Reddy.

The nature of these transactions, the destination of the funds and the role of the companies involved require a detailed examination, according to the concerns raised. Key information relating to the allegations is understood to have reached the BFI.

Family questions police probe into POCSO case

While sports bodies have begun acting on issues relating to the POCSO case, the safety of minor girls and complaints from women, the family of the alleged victim has raised serious objections to the police investigation into the case.

The family has alleged that the police did not invoke the sections required in accordance with the statement given by the girl and that the investigation was not being conducted impartially. It has also alleged that the police appeared to be acting in favour of the accused.

The family is understood to have approached the director general of police, the police commissioner and other senior police officials, seeking an impartial and independent investigation. It also raised objections to the conduct of the investigating officer and other police personnel involved in the case.

The main question now is why the accused has not been arrested so far in the POCSO case.

While action has begun at the level of sports administration following the BFI’s intervention, questions are being raised over what further action the police will take in the criminal case.

The focus is now on what decision the police will take on the accused’s arrest and how senior officials will respond to the family’s complaints about the investigation.