In a shocking turn of events, Deepak Sharma, an executive committee member of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), was arrested by the Goa police on Saturday for allegedly physically assaulting two women football players. The incident took place during the Indian Women’s Football League (IWL) second division tournament, where the players were representing Himachal Pradesh-based Khad FC.
According to reports, the two women footballers from Khad FC accused Sharma, who is also the owner of the club, of barging into their room and assaulting them on the night of March 28. The team manager’s behavior was deemed unacceptable and a formal complaint was filed by Khad FC at the Mapusa Police Station.
The complaint detailed the alleged assault and misbehavior towards the women footballers during their stay in Goa. Acting swiftly on the complaint, the Mapusa Police registered a case against Deepak Sharma under sections 323, 341, and 354A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). These sections pertain to causing hurt, wrongful restraint, and using force against women, respectively.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Mapusa), Sandesh Chodankar, confirmed the arrest of Deepak Sharma after he was called in for questioning on Saturday, March 30. Chodankar elaborated that Sharma was arrested under various sections of the IPC, reflecting the seriousness of the allegations against him.
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Sharma, who also serves as the secretary-general of the Himachal Pradesh Football Association, was held in custody overnight and was scheduled to be produced before the court on Sunday, March 31, for further legal proceedings.
In response to the incident, the Goa Football Association (GFA) President, Caetano Fernandes, expressed solidarity with the victims and emphasized the association’s support in filing the complaint with the authorities. The swift action taken by both Khad FC and the local authorities underscores the commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of women athletes in the Indian football community.
The arrest of Deepak Sharma sends a strong message about the zero-tolerance policy towards any form of misconduct or violence in sports. It serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding integrity and respect within the sports fraternity and highlights the need for stringent measures to address such incidents effectively.
As the case progresses through the legal system, it is imperative that justice is served and appropriate actions are taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The incident serves as a wake-up call for the sports community to prioritize the safety and dignity of all athletes, regardless of gender, and to create a conducive environment for their growth and development.