Booked For Rape, Soumyajit Ghosh May Lose C'wealth Games Berth

Table tennis player Soumyajit Ghosh, who was booked for raping an 18-year-old girl, is facing suspension.

On Thursday (March 22), the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) announced that it was a likely to suspend Ghosh, PTI reported. Consequently, he is likely to be excluded from the country's squad for the Commonwealth Games (CWG), federation secretary MP Singh said.

Paddler Soumyajit Ghosh booked for rape; likely to miss Commonwealth Gameshttps://t.co/vSBJsMz9hZ

— The Hindu - Sports (@TheHinduSports) March 22, 2018

Ghosh is currently in Germany, prepping for the CWG games. It begins in Australia on April 4.

Soumyajit Ghosh may miss #CWG2018, likely to be suspended over rape allegation: TTFI Secretary

Know More About The Case Against Soumyajit Ghosh

The 18-year-old girl filed an FIR against the former national champion on March 21.

The Arjuna awardee has been booked under the IPC sections for rape, criminal conspiracy, causing miscarriage without the woman’s consent and cheating, the police said

“The charges are very serious against Ghosh, who is an important member of the men’s squad for the CWG. I have called an executive committee meeting tomorrow," said Singh.

"In my opinion, we have no option but to suspend him pending further investigations. Sanil Shetty has been in the reserves and will be his replacement for the Gold Coast Games.”

“We got to know about the episode through news reports in the morning. We have managed to acquire a copy of the FIR. Since these are very serious charges, the TTFI has convened an emergency meeting of the executive board on Sunday. We will take an appropriate call in 48 hours,” Singh, TTFI secretary-general, told The Hindu on Thursday.

#CWG2018

Police have lodged an FIR against Ghosh on the basis of a complaint lodged by his ex-girlfriend, according to which the athlete established physical relationship with her for two years after promising marriage.

READ:https://t.co/eNdfblshvs

— Express Sports (@IExpressSports) March 23, 2018

READ:“Rs 6,000 For A Rape Survivor, Are You Doing Charity?” SC To MP Govt

However, Indian Olympic Association president Narinder Batra is willing to keep him in the team. He argued that if TTFI drops Ghosh, the CWG federation won’t allow any replacement.

“The matter has not reached the IOA yet but as far as I know, the rule states that a replacement would only be allowed if a particular player sustains injury or falls ill,” Batra told reporters

Ghosh has denied the allegations. He said the 18-year-old was his girlfriend, but that she was blackmailing him after they drifted apart.

#WestBengal: The complaint also states that the Indian #TableTennis player #SoumyajitGhosh #raped her several times over the past three years and she also underwent an abortion.https://t.co/Bgo60OhStu

— ABP News (@abpnewstv) March 22, 2018

Facing rape charge, paddler Soumyajit Ghosh set to be dropped from CWG squad https://t.co/XVJkagWBRT

— TOI Sports News (@TOISportsNews) March 23, 2018

Table Tennis player Soumyajit Ghosh in the dock. 18-year-old girl accuses the Olympian of rape; alleges that she was forced to undergo abortion when she was 16. F.I.R. lodged against the player. pic.twitter.com/GIyxioI1Lc

— Mirror Now (@MirrorNow) March 22, 2018

#WestBengal: 18-year-old lodges FIR against Arjuna awardee table tennis player #SoumyajitGhosh, accusing him of rape. Victim says, 'We were in a relationship since last 3 years, during which he raped me. He also promised to marry me, but refused later.' pic.twitter.com/kfosb7rPut

— APN NEWS (@apnnewsindia) March 22, 2018

Feature Image Credit: The Hindu

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