India hockey row escalates: Dilip Tirkey files criminal complaint with Delhi Police for ‘criminal breach of trust, theft’

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey NEW DELHI: The internal power struggle within Hockey India took a dramatic turn when federation president and former India captain Dilip Tirkey filed a complaint with the Delhi Police against some federation officials alleging “criminal breach of trust, theft, endangerment of life and illegal abandonment”.Tirkey’s complaint also seeks the immediate recovery of his personal belongings and documents. According to a PTI report, the South Delhi DCP’s office has confirmed receipt of the complaint, saying no FIR has been registered so far.The complaint names Cdr RK Srivastava, the former chief executive of Hockey India, who was sacked by Tirkey following the Indian team’s jersey color dispute ahead of the FIH World Cup, HI finance manager Subodh Kumar, HI director Bhushan Kumar and vehicle driver Harminder Singh.Tirkey did not respond to repeated calls for comment on the development.

The complaint follows the alleged recall of the vehicle

According to a PTI report, Tirkey was in New Delhi on September 22 on an official visit and as per protocol, Hockey India provided him with an official vehicle during his stay.The report claimed that the vehicle was suddenly withdrawn by the federation without Tirkey’s personal belongings being returned. These reportedly included a bag containing his essential medications.Tirkey subsequently called HI officials repeatedly to return the vehicle and his belongings, but the officials allegedly did not respond, according to the report.The allegations in the complaint come against the backdrop of an escalating dispute between Tirkey and HI general secretary Bhola Nath Singh over administrative decisions and meeting minutes.Tirkey had earlier questioned the validity of the emerging Executive Council meeting convened by Bhola Nath on September 18. He argued that the power to call an emergency meeting with the President is under Hockey India’s constitution.

The Jersey series deepened the Tirkey-Bhola Nath rift

The dispute escalated after a dispute over the color of the Indian teams jersey ahead of the FIH FIFA World Cup. Tirkey said the switch from blue to saffron was done without his knowledge or the approval of the executive board. He subsequently stripped Srivastava of his powers and issued him a show-cause notice containing eight charges.The September 18 meeting was also expected to discuss the Indian Hockey League’s restructuring, including a proposed separate joint venture involving franchise owners and a new Board of Governors, as well as the federation’s election plan and hosting of the Asian Champions Trophy.Bhola Nath, who is currently in Nagoya for the Asian Games, said he was not aware of Tirkey’s complaint.“I really don’t know about anything like that. I am in Japan to inspire our sides to directly qualify for the LA Olympics by winning gold in the Asian Games,” Bhola Nath told PTI from Nagoya.“As for the election, it will be held on November 7 as decided,” he declared.The latest complaint adds another layer to Hockey India’s ongoing infighting, with Delhi Police now facing charges while the federation’s leadership remains divided over governance and governance issues.