New Delhi, July 24: Calling women’s hockey player Ranjita Devi’s allegations against coach Maharaj Krishan Kaushik “highly credible”, the national body on Saturday referred the matter to the Government of India and the Commissioner of Delhi Police, asking for stern action against the coach.

Hockey India also announced that it will not avail of the services of Kaushik and videographer Basavaraj — who was found in a hotel room with prostitutes during the national team’s tours to China and Canada — in future.

The 20-year Ranjita had accused Kaushik of sexual harassment, and had submitted a written complaint to Hockey India, signed by 31 members of the national team on July 19.

Said Hockey India secretary-general Narinder Batra here on the day, “It is a case of outraging the modesty of a woman. HI feels that the written version of Ranjita Devi was highly credible and it had some specific charges.

“But we cannot broaden the scope of our investigation and we do not like the matter to end here. It should reach its logical conclusion. So we have given our recommendations and forwarded a copy to the police.”

Batra’s comments though were in sharp contrast to the five-member enquiry committee, set up by the national federation itself, who on Friday had refused to act on the matter, saying “it was not empowered to do so”.

“The committee should have recommended action and not merely suggested the sports ministry should act,” said Batra.

Asked if Ranjita had provided any concrete evidence against Kaushik, Batra said “the player’s six-page reply was credible enough”.

“If a woman gives a written complaint, it has to be taken seriously as per the Supreme Court. It has to be taken at face value,” he said.

The national body’s stance means a rough road ahead for Kaushik, who may now find himself in a legal tangle. “The matter needs to be enquired into urgently so that such issues do not happen in future. We did the preliminary inquiry and handed over our report to the government, SAI and we have marked a copy to police to avoid any delay. Now it is for the government of India to take it forward,” Batra said.

Rumours were also rife that the entire move was a ploy by the national body to keep the limelight away from its much-awaited elections on July 28.

“People can think what they want to. We have done our duty,” Batra said, as he walked out of the press conference.

Kaushik, meanwhile, refused to comment, but sources close to him indicated that the 55-year old had begun to explore the legal options to clear his name of the charges. Said a famed lawyer on conditions of anonymity,

“Kaushik has every right to go to the court and fight his case. Hockey India, in itself, is an illegal body if one goes by the latest court order. Also, Kaushik can file a defamation case given that the Hockey India has refused to use his services in future.”

Saini to SUE?
Anurita Saini, former assistant coach of the women’s hockey team, on Friday said that she was contemplating legal action against the players who have alleged that she had an affair with Kaushik.

Saini, who was assistant to Kaushik till 2006, said she and her family were disturbed over the way her name has been dragged into the controversy.

“It is very embarrassing for me and my family,” Saini told reporters.

“I have contacted my lawyer. And I am going to file a defamation case against those who have taken my name,” said Saini, who was part of the 1982 Asian Games gold medal winning team.

A few players including former captain and goalkeeper Helen Mary had alleged that Saini had an affair with Kaushik.