#MeToo: BCCI acting secretary questions COA on Johri issue

NEW DELHI: The acting secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Amitabh Choudhary on Saturday questioned the way by which a three-member committee was once shaped to analyze the sexual harassment allegations towards the board CEO Rahul Johri. Choudhary mentioned that the movements of COA did not encourage confidence from the beginning, adding that the topic will have to have justifiably been reffered to a duly constituted unbiased committee.

Choudhary wrote a letter to the Committee of Administrators (COA) regarding the issue, calling it a 'Violation of Hon'ble Supreme Court orders'.

"In view of the admitted position of one member completely disagreeing with the chairman [Rai], the esteemed member could hardly have had anything to do with the constitution of the three member enquiry committee. This makes the enquiry committee further suspect," Choudhary wrote in the letter.

BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhury writes to Committee of Administrators (COA), questioning in regards to the method i… https://t.co/iRaPliFdSL

— ANI (@ANI) 1540644296000

The COA on Thursday shaped a three-member panel to probe the allegations however chairman Vinod Rai stood in the way in which of Johri's sacking which was once demanded by means of his fellow COA member among others. COA's only other member Diana Edulji and seven BCCI state devices wanted Johri to be sacked however Rai mentioned a probe is essential earlier than a choice is taken on that.

READ ALSO: Hattangadi ready to testify towards Johri, says 'moral responsibility to assist a pal'

The Rai-led COA mentioned that Johri has submitted his response to the show-cause understand issued towards him after an anonymous account of the alleged incident got here up on social media.

The panel arrange by means of the COA incorporates former Allahabad High Court pass judgement on Justice Rakesh Sharma, who has been named chairman, Delhi Commission for Women chairperson Barkha Singh and previous CBI Director P C Sharma.

READ ALSO: Divided CoA sets up committee to probe fee towards Rahul Johri

The issue got a brand new activate Friday, with former Mumbai captain Shishir Hattangadi coming forward announcing he is able to testify towards Johri.

Hattangadi, whilst chatting with timesofindia.com, mentioned that he has no longer met Johri and he only made up our minds to testify as it's his "moral responsibility" to assist a pal in need.

Hattangadi narrated to timesofindia.com how the sufferer approached him for assist towards Johri.

"Miss X reached out to me, saying I have experienced this with this gentleman, while he was in the position of BCCI CEO. What do I do, can you help me? I said yes, I will talk to the COA members. I talked to a COA member and requested them to speak to her and put it on paper and the matter ended there. And then...I also tweeted to the BCCI that I am happy to come and testify or speak to you on this issue," he informed timesofindia.com.

Hattangadi also asked the sufferer to file her allegations on paper. "I asked the lady to write to the COA because whatever you say has to be documented and presented to the three-member committee. You cannot leave anything in the realms of speculation. This is an allegation for somebody to contest if they have to. But you have said it, so put it on paper," he added.

Hattangadi also denied claims that he has an ulterior motive in blaming Johri.

"This information is definitely damning. I don't know Rahul Johri from Adam. I have never met him in my life nor do I intend to. So I have no axe to grind with anybody. However, when a friend approaches me, it is my moral responsibility to advise them accordingly. I also reached out to the administrators, saying I am available for you to question me on this issue, simple as that," he mentioned.