NEW DELHI: The internal power struggle within Hockey India has taken a dramatic turn, with federation president and former India captain Dilip Tirkey filing a complaint with Delhi Police against some of the federation’s officials, alleging “criminal breach of trust, theft, endangerment of life and wrongful abandonment”.Tirkey’s complaint also seeks the immediate recovery of his personal belongings and documents. As per a PTI report, the office of the DCP, South Delhi, confirmed receiving the complaint, while stating that no FIR has been registered so far.The complaint names Cdr RK Srivastava, the former Hockey India Executive Director who was removed by Tirkey following the controversy over the Indian team’s jersey colour ahead of the FIH World Cup, HI Finance Manager Subodh Kumar, HI Director Bhushan Kumar and vehicle driver Harminder Singh.Tirkey did not respond to repeated calls seeking his comment on the development.
Complaint follows alleged vehicle recall
According to the PTI report, Tirkey was in New Delhi on September 22 on an official visit and, as per protocol, Hockey India provided him with an official vehicle during his stay.The report alleged that the vehicle was abruptly recalled by the federation without Tirkey’s personal belongings being returned. These reportedly included a bag containing his essential medicines.Tirkey subsequently made repeated calls to HI officials seeking the return of the vehicle and his belongings, but the officials allegedly did not respond, according to the report.The complaint’s allegations come against the backdrop of an escalating dispute between Tirkey and HI secretary general Bhola Nath Singh over administrative decisions and meeting protocols.Tirkey had earlier challenged the validity of an emergent Executive Board meeting called for September 18 by Bhola Nath. He had maintained that Hockey India’s by-laws vested the authority to call an emergency meeting with the president.
Jersey row deepened Tirkey-Bhola Nath rift
The dispute intensified following the controversy over the Indian teams’ jersey colour ahead of the FIH World Cup. Tirkey had said the switch from blue to saffron was made without his knowledge or the approval of the Executive Board. He subsequently stripped Srivastava of his powers and issued him a show-cause notice containing eight charges.The September 18 meeting was also expected to discuss the restructuring of the Hockey India League, including a proposed separate joint venture involving franchise owners and a new Governing Council, as well as the federation’s election schedule and the hosting of the Asian Champions Trophy.Bhola Nath, who is currently in Nagoya for the Asian Games, said he was unaware of Tirkey’s complaint.“I am really not aware about such a thing. I am in Japan to inspire our sides so that they directly qualify for the LA Olympics by winning gold at the Asian Games,” Bhola Nath told PTI from Nagoya.“As far as the election is concerned, it will be held on November 7 as decided,” he asserted.The latest complaint adds another layer to the continuing internal dispute at Hockey India, with the allegations now before Delhi Police while the federation’s leadership remains divided over administrative and governance issues.
