Indian hockey captain faces sexual exploitation charges

Indian hockey captain Sardar Singh has been accused of sexual exploitation by a former Under 19 British hockey player, following which an SIT was formed on Wednesday to probe the issue.

Singh has rubbished the allegations levelled against him by the British hockey player of Indian origin.

As per the complaint filed at Koom Kalan Police Station on Tuesday, the victim alleged that she met the Indian captain during the 2012 London Olympics for the first time, following which they had a physical relationship.

The complainant alleged that she also underwent an abortion at Singh's insistence.

She added that the captain also took her to Bhaini Sahib Gurdwara, the headquarters of the Namdhari sect here, where he allegedly promised to marry her but later refused to do so.

Meanwhile, Ludhiana Police Commissioner Pramraj Singh Umranangal formed a Special Investigating Team (SIT) on Wednesday to inquire the matter.

The SIT would be headed by ADCP Satbir Singh Atwal, ACP Purewal and SHO Koom Kalan PS SS Nagra. They have been instructed to start an inquiry immediately, Umranangal said.

"I know her but it's wrong to say that I assaulted her," Singh told reporters on Wednesday.

"Right now my full concentration in on the ongoing HIL.

"I came to know about the allegations only after last night's match. Tomorrow I have a match again. It is a very serious allegation. I will look at the report and consult my lawyer. I will answer all questions but I need some time," he said.

Asked whether he got engaged with the complainant, Sardar outrightly denied it, saying: "Nothing like that happened between us."

Talking to media at his home at Sant Nagar in Sirsa district of Haryana, Gurnam Singh, the father of the Indian captain, rubbished the charges against his son.

"It is a conspiracy to spoil Sardar's career. The accusations (of the woman) are baseless. There is nothing like that," he maintained.