Srinagar: Allegations against a Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council official managing affairs at the City Central Bakshi Stadium continue to surface, with fresh accusations relating to alleged irregularities in venue fees, favouritism in allotment of facilities and alleged misbehaviour with athletes and coaches.
According to sources familiar with the developments, multiple complaints have reportedly been made against the official in the past. The latest allegations have further intensified calls for the J&K Sports Council to examine the matter and take appropriate action.
The official is reportedly involved at the ground level in matters related to fixing and collecting venue fees for various sporting and other events held at Bakshi Stadium. Sources have alleged discrepancies between the actual venue fees charged from organisers and the revenue deposited with the J&K Sports Council.
“The official allegedly favours certain parties from time to time. On some occasions, venues are provided free of cost to people close to him without the knowledge of higher authorities, while in other cases, fees are allegedly charged for fewer days than the actual duration for which the venue is allotted,” a source familiar with the matter said.
Sources have also alleged that the official has a history of misbehaving with athletes and coaches training at the stadium.
“There have been multiple complaints against him in the past, which were reportedly addressed during the tenure of the previous Secretary of the Sports Council. However, following the change in leadership, his behaviour towards athletes and coaches has allegedly returned to the old pattern, with little regard or respect for players and coaches,” the source claimed.
Further allegations relate to the allotment of training slots and facilities at Bakshi Stadium. Sources claimed that there is confusion and inconsistency in the allotment process, with the official allegedly exercising authority beyond his designated role.
“There is complete chaos in the allotment system. The official at the stadium allegedly overrides orders issued by the Sports Council headquarters and makes allotments according to his own preference. In some cases, he reportedly issues his own letters and permissions to selected parties while ignoring others,” another source alleged.
Sources further claimed that the official does not adequately follow directions from higher authorities and continues to exercise considerable control over the day-to-day allotment of facilities at the premier sports venue.
Calling for administrative intervention, sources said the J&K Sports Council should consider transferring the official, who has reportedly remained posted at Bakshi Stadium for a considerable period.
“To bring transparency and restore an organised system at a premier venue like Bakshi Stadium, the Sports Council needs to review the entire arrangement and consider transferring the official,” sources added.
The allegations could not be independently verified by the time of filing this report. An official response from the J&K Sports Council or the official concerned would be included if and when received. (KNB)
