The I-League club Minerva Punjab FC’s (presently known as RoundGlass Punjab FC after ownership change) former owner Ranjit Bajaj recently blasted the All India Football Federation (AIFF) after they gave a clean chit to the General Secretary Kushal Das in the allegations of sexual assault and corruption. AIFF now asks for “proper documentary evidence within 15 days” over the allegation against Kushal Das.
Early incidents
Last month, Ranjit Bajaj accused Kushal Das of a charge of molestation of women employees. But AIFF’s Internal Complaints Committee head Jyotsna Gupta completely rejected those charges. Later, the AIFF integrity officer Javed Siraj also gave a clean chit to Das on that charge.
In the official statement, AIFF claimed, “All statements and allegations made in this regard are false and fabricated, and made without an iota of evidence in support of the same”
The AIFF further stated to take appropriate legal action against Bajaj. Das has also reportedly taken legal action against Bajaj by filing criminal defamation.
Ranjit Bajaj surprised by that immediate decision
Meanwhile, Bajaj has fumed over the AIFF’s recent clean chit to Das. He was very surprised by that immediate decision.
In the recent exclusive interview with InsideSport, Bajaj claimed that the Internal Complaints Committee head Jyotsna Gupta is also Das’ executive assistant. He felt that the investigation was not proper at all. Bajaj also claimed that the AIFF took that decision without listening to his story.
Ranjit Bajaj wrote to NCW, FIFA and AFC
Bajaj has now lodged a complaint with the National Commission of Women (NCW) against the AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das regarding the charge of molestation of women employees.
The entrepreneur has also written to the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) and Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) ethics committees. He has asked for an independent review committee from them to investigate those charges.
AIFF released a new statement
After this reaction, AIFF has come under immense pressure. Last Thursday (5th May), the AIFF released a statement, where they have asked Bajaj to submit proper documentary evidence within 15 days.
The statement was according to the official website, “Furthermore, in a meeting held earlier today (May 5, 2022), it has been unanimously decided that the AIFF will write a letter to Mr. Ranjit Bajaj to substantiate his aspersions and allegations against Mr. Kushal Das, General Secretary, AIFF, with proper documentary evidence within fifteen (15) days, failing which the AIFF shall take appropriate action as it deems fit and proper.”
