Volleyball Federation of India's ad-hoc committee used IOA's PAN card without approval: IOA Chief PT Usha makes startling claims
In a surprising turn of events, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief PT Usha stated that the Volleyball Federation of India’s ad-hoc committee used the IOA's PAN card fraudulently to open a bank account.
According to a report published in the Times of India, PT Usha wrote a letter to the ad-hoc panel, alleging that a bank account was opened without obtaining prior approval from the association. Interestingly, the letter added that the bank account opened is reportedly being used by the chairman and a member of the ad-hoc body.
"The use of the IOA's PAN card for such purposes without explicit authorization is a serious breach of protocol and may constitute a cognizable offense under the Income Tax Act," the letter stated as quoted by the Times of India.
Sports Ministry suspended Volleyball Federation of India back in 2019
The Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) was suspended by the Sports Ministry back in December 2109 due to infighting, unprofessionalism, proxy voting, letting players suffer, and the absence of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to address grievances related to sexual harassment.
In June 2023, the IOA formed the ad-hoc body to run the Volleyball Federation of India. The body takes care of the day-to-day events, player selection, and sends athletes to compete at international events.
The body comprises Rohit Rajpal, the Executive Council Member of the IOA, as its chairman. IOA's Joint Secretary Alaknanda Ashok, retired IPS, and former sportsperson S Gopinath, International Volleyball Federation's head of legal and general counsel Stephen Block are also part of the body.
Additionally, on Monday (September 30), PT Usha addressed the allegations made by 12 members of the IOA Executive Council in a letter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Director of International Relations, Jerome Poivey.
PT Usha also expressed her concerns, stating that the members prioritize self-serving power and monetary gains over India’s goal of hosting the Olympic Games 2036. She also added that the letter from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Executive Council members is part of an attempt to stop the progress of Indian sports.