NEW DELHI, July 18: The CBI on Monday conducted searches at the premises of former Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Narinder Batra at five locations in Delhi and Jammu, officials said.
The searches were conducted after filing an FIR against him in an alleged corruption case, they said.
The central probe agency had received a complaint against Batra following which it started a preliminary enquiry in April this year, which is the first step to establish prima facie criminality, they said. It was alleged in the complaint that Rs 35 lakh of Hockey India funds was used for Batra’s personal benefits, the officials said.
Batra ceased to be president of the IOA when the Delhi High Court, on May 25, struck down the post of ‘life member’ in Hockey India, courtesy which he had contested the IOA elections and won back in 2017.
In three separate handwritten notes, Batra officially tendered his resignations from the IOA, International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Hockey Federation (FIH).
In all the letters, he cited “personal reasons” behind his decision.
“Due to personal reasons I submit my resignation from the post of President FIH,” Batra wrote to its executive board.
Batra’s IOC membership was linked to IOA presidency but his resignation from FIH has come as a surprise, since in May, he had said he wanted to focus on his job in the world hockey body.
The Delhi High Court’s refusal to stay his appeal before a double bench might have been the trigger for Batra’s resignations. But the matter is listed for normal hearing on July 26.
Meanwhile, Narinder Batra resigned as President of International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Monday and also gave up his IOC membership, almost two months after a High Court ruling ended his reign as IOA President.
Batra quit his positions, hours after CBI conducted multiple raids at his residence and offices in New Delhi and Jammu.
According CBI officials, searches were made in five locations across the two cities after filing an FIR against Batra in an alleged corruption case.
In April, the CBI had initiated a preliminary inquiry against Batra for alleged misappropriation of Hockey India funds to the tune of Rs 35 lakh.
Batra ceased to be President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) when the Delhi High Court, on May 25, struck down the post of ‘Life member’ in Hockey India, courtesy which he had contested and won the IOA elections won back in 2017.
Batra had appealed against the ruling but a larger bench of the High Court had refused to stay the earlier order and listed the matter for the next hearing on July 26. The sports administrator also officially resigned as IOA President.
In three separate handwritten notes, Batra officially tendered his resignation from the three positions. In all the letters, he cited “personal reasons” for his decision. (PTI)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
