Boxing federation suspends general secretary a day after complaint of intimidation against PM Modi

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has suspended general secretary Pramod Kumar with immediate effect, a day after he accused president Ajay Singh and chief executive officer Col Arun Malik of “criminal intimidation” over a proposed no-confidence motion against Singh. BFI president Singh cited alleged financial irregularities, non-cooperation with investigations and abuse of power as reasons for the suspension pending an investigation.

In the suspension order issued on Tuesday, Singh made several allegations against Kumar, including issuing a work order for arranging broadcasts 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 the president.

“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 relevant provisions of the BFI Constitution,” the order read.

The order clarified that the suspension was a temporary protective measure and did not constitute a final decision on the charges. She added that the charges would be reviewed in accordance with applicable procedures, with the suspension subject to the safeguards and review requirements of the BFI constitution.

SUSPENSION FOLLOWS PM MODI COMPLAINT

In his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kumar alleged that Singh and Malik resorted to intimidation. prevent a proposed motion of no confidence in the BFI president. He claimed that several state associations supporting the proposal faced threats of suspension and the possible appointment of ad-hoc committees.

Kumar also alleged that his access to the federation’s official email account was revoked without his knowledge or consent, limiting his ability to perform his duties. He argued that as general secretary he was bound by the BFI constitution to act on formal requests submitted by member units seeking a motion of no confidence.

Malik denied the allegations, calling them “baseless”. He also denied that Kumar’s official email access had been revoked, saying the matter could be investigated.

The row centers on a proposed special general meeting that Kumar sought to convene on October 28 to vote on a motion of no confidence in Singh. However, Malík claimed that the meeting would be unconstitutional.

STRONG STRUGGLE DEEPENS IN BFI

The suspension adds another layer to the escalating dispute over the federation’s leadership, with allegations and counter-allegations now emerging from both sides. While Singh ordered an inquiry into the allegations against Kumar, the chief secretary’s complaint to the prime minister raised questions about the handling of the proposed no-confidence motion.

The latest development leaves Kumar suspended from his role while the investigation is ongoing. The suspension order does not state that the allegations against him are proven, and the wider leadership dispute remains unresolved.

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