Commonwealth Games: Charges Against Indian Officials in Glasgow Dropped

Charges against Indian Olympic Association secretary-general Rajeev Mehta and wrestling referee Virender Malik for drunken driving and sexual assault, respectively, during the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow have been dropped. The Indian officials were arrested by Scotland Police on Saturday and were supposed to be produced in court on Monday. No hearing took place.

They were released after charges against them were dropped for lack of evidence, putting an end to their unsavoury ordeal. Earlier on Monday, the Wrestling Federation of India suspended Malik with immediate effect. The president of WFI, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh took the decision to suspend the tainted official but said the federation will wait for details from Scotland police before making his ban permanent.

Indian sports minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday said a decision on any action against on Mehta and Malik will be taken only after going through all reports. (I am Innocent: Mehta)

Mehta and Malik were arrested in Glasgow on different charges causing much embarrassment to the Indian contingent which had gone to participate in the 20th Commonwealth Games. India finished fifth in the Games.

According to reports, Mehta was arrested for drunken driving while returning from a late-night party thrown by the Indian gymnastics federation to celebrate a historic bronze medal won by Dipa Karmakar. Malik was booked for sexual assault. Police did not share details.

The Indian High Commission got involved in the case. Finally, there were no court hearing and charges dropped.