CoA split over #MeToo allegation against BCCI chief Rahul Johri

New Delhi: After the Committee of Administrators (CoA) split over the recent #MeToo allegation against BCCI chief Rahul Johri, a decision has been taken to constitute a three-member independent committee to investigate the matter.

A statement issued on behalf of the BCCI late Thursday night said that CoA president Vinod Rai has decided to form a three-member independent inquiry committee after considering the different views of the members. However, the statement issued by the Board indicates that the CoA members are divided on the action to be taken against Johri.

The only female member of the CoA and former women's cricket captain Diana Edulji has recommended cancellation of Johri's contract or his sacking.

The BCCI also said that the committee will be headed by retired Justice Rakesh Sharma of the Allahabad High Court, while former Director of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) PC Sharma and former Delhi women commissioner Barkha Singh will be other members in the panel.

The inquiry committee will submit its report in the next 15 days. Mr Johri had dismissed these allegations after being sought a written reply by the CoA. 

"On October 12, a complaint was made by an unknown person against Johri, who is on leave since then. However, Johri has refuted all allegations. But the committee will investigate, whatever, allegations of sexual harassment have been made against him as he is currently a BCCI employee." The BCCI said in an ongoing statement.

The independent committee against  Johri has been formed because the opinions of the COA members are totally different from them. 

"The COA had held a meeting on October 20 and 22 in which, Vinod Rai proposed to set up an independent committee so that the law can work according to its own and the justice can be done," the BCCI said in a statement.

According to the release, Edulji believes that since Johri has been  accused of sexual harassment,  he will not represent an organisation like BCCI and should either quit from the post or the board should cancel his contract.  But the CoA president's opinions do not coincide with this.

Rai believes that after a proper investigation, a decision will be taken against Johri. He also believes that the allegations were levelled when Johri was not a CEO. It is necessary that justice should be done even with Johri following the legal process.

According to the statement, "In other similar cases, the person who was accused, was given an opportunity to keep his word in front of the inquiry committee, so that any decision can be taken after examining all the evidence." 

However, Edulji believes that there is no need to do such a probe because there is enough reason to remove Johri from the post.

Edulji said that if the BCCI does not take any action against the BCCI chief and if he remains on the board in his post, then she will approach court.(UNI)