PANJIM: The complaint filed by Mahesh Desai against Vipul Phadke, president of Goa Cricket Association (GCA) and former Secretary of the Association was rejected by the Ombudsman, Justice Rajiv Lochan Mehrotra (Retired Justice of Allabahad High Court) on Friday.
The Ombudsman in his order stated: "It is evident that Vipul Phadke, the then GCA Secretary, has performed his routine duties and did not violate any rules. It is also evident that the grant to different clubs were issued as per the pattern of assistance. Thus, the complaint of Mahesh Desai has no force and is liabale to be rejected. The complaint is hereby rejected."
Mahesh had lodged a complaint before the Ombudsman of Goa Cricket Association dated 26-12-2022 and 2-1-2023 alleging that the elected President Vipul Phadke had released illegal grants during the election process which influenced the election in his favour. Further, he had alleged that the Code of Conduct settled for election by BCCI was violated by Vipul who had been the GCA Secretary from 2019 to 2022.
Complainant Mahesh had alleged that Vipul had allotted certain funds/cricketing equipment to five member clubs between 6.10.22 and 27.10.22 in order to influence them for voting. He had alleged that Rising Star of Shirwai were allotted a grant of Rs 1 lakh, Young Stars of Moula - cricketing equipment worth Rs 81,000 and 60 balls worth Rs 24,000, Chopdem SC - cricketing equipment worth Rs 53,000, Mashem Cricket Club cricketing equipment worth Rs 31,380, Sportsweek Cricket Club cricketing equipment worth Rs 80,650, all through cheques. He had alleged that the funds of GCA were distributed in violation of the Code of Conduct for Elections, thus influencing the voters to cast their votes in favour of Phadke, who was a candidate for the post of President and in the result thereof Phadke had won the election.
Phadke in his deposition stated that Margao Cricket Club was provided with Rs 18,720 (only for red cloured balls) for organising late Bhiku Pai Angle all-India tournament. The tournament was organised by Sportsweek CC whose some of the office-bearers were also the office-bearers of Margao CC.
Young Stars of Moula SC had also raised a demand on 17.9.2022 for cricket equipment and the then Secretary provided the materials against their demand, the Ombudsman observed.
It was on oral demand from two clubs - Chopdem SC and Mashem CC - that cricket material was provided. It was done as per the pattern of assistance in which the month of October had been fixed for supply of grants to different associations. "Therefore, it cannot be said that the then Secretary Phadke had violated any of the Rules or Code of Conduct for Elections," the Order stated.