DELHI CRICKETER Himmat Singh’s father Thursday filed a criminal defamation case against suspended BJP legislator Kirti Azad, former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi and two others, alleging they had issued false statements with “malafide intention” that there was an exchange of Rs 25 lakh for his son’s selection in the team for Vijay Hazare Trophy. Himmat’s father Tejbir has alleged that at a presser, which was organised in the national capital last Sunday, Himmat’s name was dragged into the ongoing DDCA controversy in an “unlawful manner”. Apart from Azad and Bedi, the other two others against whom the defamation was slapped included former Delhi cricketer Surender Khanna and Sameer Bahadur. “The accused have jointly conducted a press conference in Delhi, where they have with malafide intentions stated that the complainant’s son has been wrongly selected for one of the tournaments, for which there was an exchange of Rs 25 lakh,” the plea filed before a Delhi court states. WATCH | DDCA Row: Why BJP Suspended Kirti Azad & What It Means Tejbir further alleged that Surinder Khanna in an “explicit manner” and Azad, Bedi, and Bahadur in an “implied manner” by “giving an implied consent to the false and defamatory statements are liable to be prosecuted for defamation.” The court will now hear the case on January 4. Himmat Singh is a right-handed middle-order batsman who has enjoyed successful stints at the junior age groups. The youngster broke into the Ranji Trophy team last year, following his 181 against Tripura in the Cooch Behar Trophy. He then missed the U-19 World Cup but represented Delhi in the Vijay Hazare group fixture against Andhra. “The accused knowing fully well that the telecast of false and baseless statements over TV and Internet have been intentional and with a motive to create sensation, and with a hidden agenda have circulated this false and defamatory material,” the complainant stated in his plea. He has also sought prosecution under section 500 IPC ( Punishment for defamation). Duo faces face suspension After his suspension from the BJP, Azad now faces suspension from DDCA’s membership as well, along with fellow association detractors Bishan Singh Bedi, Surinder Khanna and Sameer Bahadur, all of whom have been making allegations of financial irregularities in the state cricket body. The quartet hold DDCA’s regular membership, though have no official post or play any part in the day-to-day functioning of the association. Read: Day after suspension, Kirti Azad seeks ‘justice’ from PM Narendra Modi “We will be discussing about what has happened in the last few days and then see what has to be done. Lot of baseless allegations are going around, and it needs to stop. Suspension and defamation suits are option, and they would be discussed,” says DDCA treasurer Ravinder Manchanda. While there have been suspension of DDCA’s officials in the past, most recent example being president Sneh Bansal, the body is not sure whether the same applies on the regular members. “I’m not sure about that as of now and only after going through the articles of the association, we can get a clearer picture. Whatever it is, we will find a way forward in the meeting,” says Manchanda. The scheduled meeting is not an official one and it’s unlikely that all members would attend or pass any resolutions for the same.
