NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on Wednesday that it has closed the investigation into its suspended executive committee member Deepak Sharma for his alleged physical assault of two women players in Goa. This decision was made as the victims "do not wish to pursue the matter any further."
The AIFF's Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), which conducted the investigation into the alleged harassment case, stated that it is unable to continue the investigation since both the alleged victim and the other party involved have chosen not to pursue the matter further.
The statement from the AIFF mentioned, "... The ICC would not be in a position to continue the investigation as any complaint and/or further information regarding the alleged incident has been denied by the concerned individuals."
In light of this, the investigation has been concluded as withdrawn, according to the AIFF.
The incident occurred when two footballers from Himachal Pradesh-based Khad FC, participating in the Indian Women's Football (IWL) League second division, accused Deepak Sharma, the owner of the club, of barging into their room and physically assaulting them on the night of March 28.
Following the complaint, the AIFF suspended Sharma from football-related activities until the conclusion of the probe. Sharma was arrested by Goa police based on the complaint filed by the host state association but was later released on bail.
Earlier, the Emergency Committee of the AIFF conducted a meeting and received complaints from the players against Sharma. The matter was then referred to the Disciplinary Committee after dissolving the three-member committee formed to investigate the incident.
Sports Minister Anurag Thakur also urged the AIFF to take swift and strong legal action against the official in question.
(With PTI inputs)
