LDCA indulging in illegalities: Old players’ assn
The Ludhiana Old Cricket Players Association (LOCPA) alleged the Ludhiana District Cricket Association (LDCA) officials were guilty of indulging in irregularities and illegalities. These fallacies were brought into the knowledge of the local administration through a complaint to the Deputy Commissioner, who then marked it to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Ludhiana (West) for an enquiry.
The SDM reported various anomalies committed by the LDCA officials and action was also recommended but the association ensured — by using their ill influence and political links — they kept their illegality under the wrap, a LOCPA member said.
A petition dated August 28, was filed in the High Court of Punjab and Haryana in Chandigarh by Pankaj Dogra, president. LOCPA. The HC fixed the next date on December 12, 2024.
Addressing a press conference here today, advocate Rajat Malhotra, legal advisor to LOCPA, said certain LDCA officials including, Satish Mangal (president), Manik Bassi (treasurer), Suresh Katyal and Ram Tirath Jain, a founder member who was already removed from the body in 2002, were involved in illegalities. Suresh Katya, in his affidavit dated May 4, 2022, admitted that he was not a founder member, despite his earlier claims and signatures indicating otherwise. Ram Tirath Jain allegedly forged signatures to fraudulently induct 16 new life members
Malhotra highlighted various irregularities and said the LDCA violated the rules by appointing 16 life members, of which eight individuals had no connection with the game of cricket, which was a clear violation of the LDCA constitution. Out of the 16 newly-inducted members, four were co-opted without any approval from the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
He added the LDCA falsely claimed to have signed a memorandum of undertaking (MoU) with the local SCD Government College and incurred an amount of over 10 lakh on preparing practice pitches there. However, in response to an RTI query, the college confirmed that no such MoU was ever signed. The signatures on the ‘MoU’ were attributed to Gagandeep Bhalla, secretary, LDCA. Subsequently, the college authorities asked the LDCA to vacate the ground, resulting in lakhs of rupees going down the drain.
Malhotra said, under the directions of the DC, the SDM conducted an enquiry and concluded the bills and vouchers submitted by the LDCA appeared to be fraudulent. This was followed by another enquiry, conducted by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) which found the funds allegedly spent at the college ground were misappropriated and were not approved at the executive committee meeting.
Bank records showed the LDCA had received a total of Rs 1.88 crore, of which Rs 54 lakh were withdrawn in cash (Rs 24 lakh within 15 days), in violation of the Society Act. Bank statements showed several large sums were transferred to the personal accounts of Manik Bassi and Satish Mangal, Malhotra said. This raised serious questions about the misuse of association’s funds, Malhotra added.
“In response to an RTI filed by the LOCPA president, Pankaj Dogra, the DC had confirmed on July 20, 2023, that a police inquiry was ongoing. However, no further update has been provided since then, prompting the inclusion of the DC and the Ludhiana CP as parties to the case,” added Malhotra.
He said an analysis of the minutes of the LDCA meetings revealed that the resolutions claimed to have been passed, were never actually implemented and key decisions were taken solely by a few individuals.
Malhotra cited other irregularities that include illegal meetings called by the president.
Malhotra emphasised the LOCPA was committed to ensuring justice and transparency within the LDCA. He sought strict accountability and called for immediate action against those responsible for the financial misconduct and irregularities within the association.
