Hisar, February 6
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) today suspended its coach at the Haryana Agriculture University centre over allegations of sexual harassment by female wrestlers. Satbir Singh has been directed to report to the SAI headquarters with immediate effect. The SAI director general office took action against Satbir on complaints lodged by female wrestlers.

“The DG’s office has set up an inquiry committee to look into the allegations,” said Joginder Bishnoi, SAI centre in charge. He said the girls first reported the matter to the police and then SAI authorities.

The coach was booked under Section 354 (outraging the modesty) of IPC and other relevant sections of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act on February 1. Seven girls (aged 14-18) alleged that the coach had been touching them inappropriately on the pretext of practice and had even kissed some of them. The girls alleged that Satbir frequently used filthy language and also commented on their dress.

"My daughter used to tell me about the ill-treatment being meted out to her and others. The girls didn’t report the matter to authorities fearing action against them and also out of shame,” said the mother of a victim.

Bishnoi said the centre has 120 players of which 76 are girls. "Of the nine coaches at the centre, two are females. The number of male coaches is on a higher side as women coaches are not easily available", he said.

The police said the inquiry in the case was on but no arrest has been made so far. The coach has denied the charges against him and alleged that he was being implicated by players against whom he was mulling action for indiscipline.