Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey took away the DG’s powers and issued a notice on the case

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey KOLKATA: The power struggle in Hockey India intensified on Saturday after President Dilip Tirkey issued a notice to CEO Cdr RK Srivastava, ordering him to cease the functions of his office with immediate effect, citing eight cases of alleged non-compliance, governance failure and failure to follow directions issued by the elected leadership.In a detailed communication issued through advocate Himanshu Chaturvedi, a copy of which is with TOI, Srivastava was informed that all authority he normally exercises as CEO will remain suspended with immediate effect pending further consideration under the Hockey India Bye-Laws.The letter ordered him to turn over operational charges, official records, files, credentials and other assets to an officer designated by the office of the president.The notice lists eight allegations against Srivastava, including the national team jersey dispute, the pending POSH matter, disciplinary issues, delays in implementing administrative orders and alleged failure to inform the president on key matters.The key allegation relates to Srivastava’s trip to the FIH Hockey World Cup despite being advised to stay in India to oversee the affairs of the Hockey India League (HIL).According to the notice, communications dated July 30 and August 2 directed him not to travel and instead facilitate the deputation of other Hockey India representatives for institutional and development purposes.Describing the matter as a serious breach of authority, the letter said: “Your failure to comply was a direct insult and disobedience to the office of the President, Hockey India.”The notice also mentions the non-production of records linked to the Vikram Pal ICC/POSH matter. “Despite repeated requests from 15.07.2026 for the Vikram Pal ICC/POSH report and proceedings, the records remained unavailable,” the statement said. They further allege that Srivastava “failed to exercise supervisory control” to ensure that the records were secured and made available through an appropriate confidential process.The release further claimed that while selection committee member Subhadra Pradhan and former internationals Rani Rampal and Sardar Singh were identified for specific roles during the World Cup, the plan was not implemented and Srivastava attended the event alone.Regarding the action taken against the CEO, the announcement read: “All powers delegated or normally exercised by you as CEO remain suspended with immediate effect and as a temporary protective measure you will cease to perform the functions of CEO pending further review and decision by the Executive Committee.”The letter claimed the measure was “immediate, ad-interim and protective” and did not constitute a final disciplinary finding or punishment. He also clarified that the suit will not affect Srivastava’s contractual remuneration or regular services.Srivastava was given four weeks to submit a detailed reply along with supporting documents.