BHUBANESWAR 02-Jun-2010 219
Prashant Sahu, who was suspended as the in-charge of Kalinga Stadium (Bhubaneswar) for ill-treating hockey Olympian Dilip Tirkey, may escape the punishment because of the supports of a powerful group, involving government officials, including an IAS officer and a head of several state sports bodies.
THE PLOT: After being suspended Sahu has submitted an application, requesting State Sports Director Prasant Kumar Pradhan to allow him a week`s time to hand over the charge. He also sought to stay in Bhubaneswar rather than go to Keonjhar, his new place of posting. Sahu sought these favours, citing the illness of his wife.
FACT FINDING COMMITTEE: Meanwhile, government has constitued the fact-finding committee, constituting assistant directors planning, youth services and the accounts officer of the State Directorate of Sports. Surprisingly, the government did not feel it necessary to include assistant direcotor (sports) in the committee.
DOUBTS ABOUT COMPETANCY: City sports fraternity, however, has doubts about the competancy of the fact-finding committee. ``Members of the committee have no practical idea about the management affairs of Kalinga Stadium. They are neither in touch with the users of the stadium and nor do they have much concern about the prestige and dignity of Dilip Tirkey, the greatest sports icon of the state,`` said an eminent sportspersons.
ESCAPE ROUT: According to well-known users of Kalinga stadium, even though suspended, Sahu has been allowed to take away important documents and other materials in a vehicle several times.
