BFI secretary general, treasurer suspended ahead of polls

BFI chief Ajay Singh.
| Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO: AFP

The Boxing Federation of India president, Ajay Singh, on Tuesday suspended BFI secretary general Hemanta Kalita and treasurer Digvijay Singh for alleged “financial irregularities and mismanagement of funds.”

While the BFI has begun its election process amid controversies, the new development has widened the rift between two primary factions of the federation.

In a letter addressed to both the officials, Singh said, pursuant to a complaint received from the Sports Authority of India, the report submitted by Justice (Retd.) Sudhir Kumar Jain following an independent investigation “has found both of you guilty of serious charges of financial irregularities and mismanagement of funds” with “a clear breach of fiduciary duties and responsibilities.”

While suspending the two office-bearers from their positions, Singh restrained them from performing any duties.

Meanwhile, BFI returning officer Justice (Retd.) R.K. Gauba, while accepting Singh’s electoral college, published the nominations after scrutiny, listing Singh, Rajesh Bhandari and D. Chandralal in the race for presidency.