BFI suspends general secretary Pramod Kumar over alleged financial irregularities

BFI President Ajay Singh and Pramod Kumar The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has suspended its general secretary Pramod Kumar with immediate effect over alleged financial irregularities, non-cooperation with investigations and abuse of power. BFI president Ajay Singh issued the suspension order on Tuesday pending an investigation into the allegations against Kumar. These include issuing a work order for posting arrangements without the required approval.Kumar was also accused of not cooperating with the probe into the cancellation of the national championship and trying to convene an unauthorized meeting to move a no-confidence motion against Singh.“You are hereby temporarily suspended from the office of General Secretary with immediate effect, pending the completion of the investigation or until the order is modified or revoked by the appropriate authority, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the BFI Constitution,” read the order obtained by PTI.The order clarified that the suspension was temporary and “shall not be construed as a final disposition of the charges.”

The suspension follows Kumar’s letter to PM Modi

The action came a day after Kumar wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing Singh and BFI executive director Col Arun Malik of “criminal intimidation” to stop the proposed no-confidence motion. Malik dismissed the allegations as “baseless”.One of the main issues raised in the stay order is about Pinnacle Broadcast Productions’ claim of around Rs 1.5 crore for broadcasting services for the World Boxing Finals Cup in Greater Noida in November 2025.In an earlier letter to the BFI president, Kumar said Pinnacle had donated 2 million rupees to sponsor and broadcast the event. However, the company denied such an undertaking.“Recently, the Federation received a notice from Pinnacle Broadcast Productions claiming Rs 1.5 crore (approx) for the broadcast of the World Boxing Final’s Cup, Greater Noida, November 2025.“Whereas it is your understanding from the letter you sent to the President that Pinnacle has committed and secured 2 million rupees to sponsor and broadcast this event.“Pinnacle has now categorically denied making such an undertaking, which casts serious doubt on the authenticity of the letter that you personally represented Pinnacle to.”The order also alleged that Kumar signed the work order without getting approval from the finance committee of the federation.

Question about the cancellation of the national championship

Singh also referred to a query about the last-minute cancellation of the BFI Elite Men and Women Open boxing tournament. The event was scheduled to be held in Nahan, Himachal Pradesh from August 16 to 23.On August 17, a commission of inquiry was formed to investigate the cancellation. However, according to the suspension order, Kumar repeatedly sought more time and did not respond to the committee’s questions.“…you have repeatedly sought time and failed to respond to the notice issued to you and the specific questions raised by the duly constituted inquiry committee.”

Dispute on motion of no confidence

Another reason for Kumar’s suspension was his alleged attempt to issue a notice against senior federation officials and convene a meeting to move a no-confidence motion against Singh.Last week, Kumar called a special general meeting (SGM) on October 28. He claimed to have the support of the majority of the affiliated state units to file a motion against the BFI president.“It is deeply troubling that instead of cooperating with the ongoing investigation, you allegedly issued cease-and-desist notices against senior BFI officials, show-cause notices and notices to convene a meeting to move a motion of no confidence in the president,” the order said.The order stated that Kumar did not have the power under the BFI constitution to issue such notices without the required approval or to convene extraordinary general meetings himself.It also accused him of sending memos to federation officials and staff asking them to ignore the president’s authority and asserting that he had control over the BFI’s administration.“You have also sent communications to BFI officers and staff urging them to disregard the authority of the BFI President and claiming to be the head of the BFI administration.”

Kumar was barred from performing the duties of general secretary

According to the suspension order, Kumar was ordered not to perform his duties as general secretary, send communications on behalf of the federation or access official records related to the investigation.The order also warned of further disciplinary action if he tries to violate the suspension, obstruct the investigation, abuse the federation’s authority or interfere with the proceedings.“Any attempt to violate the immediate suspension order, obstruct the investigation, abuse the authority of the BFI or interfere with its management must be viewed seriously and may result in further disciplinary action in accordance with the BFI constitution and applicable rules and regulations.”