Former IOA chief wants strict action to be taken against arrested Indian official Rajeev Mehta

Vijay Kumar Malhotra

New Delhi, Aug 3 (IANS): Former Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief Vijay Kumar Malhotra Sunday demanded strict action against IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta, who was arrested in Glasgow for driving without a valid license and under the influence of alcohol.

Malhotra said the news was disturbing and that it had shamed Indian athletes, who put on an inspiring show at the 2014 Commonwealth Games winning 64 medals.

"This is the first time that such a senior official of IOA, which is the country's premier sports body, has been arrested abroad. The arrest on the penultimate day of the Commonwealth Games has embarrassed the Indian sportspersons who have done so well in the Games. It has also brought disrepute to the IOA," said Malhotra in a statement.

"Arrest of IOA Secretary General in a foreign country on the charges of violating law of that land is a very grave issue. IOA president N. Ramachandran, who is in Glasgow, should personally look into this incident, which has brought shame to Indian sports," said Malhotra.

Malhotra asked Ramachandran to convene an emergency meeting of the IOA as soon as he returns from Glasgow and take stern action against Mehta.

Besides Mehta, senior international wrestling referee Virender Malik of India was also arrested in Glasgow on charges of sexual assault.

Mehta was an invitee of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and presented medals to winners. Malik had officiated in the wrestling competitions in the Commonwealth Games.

The two will be presented in court separately Monday.