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[dextrous]

VIJAYAWADA: The dust has barely settled on Team India's sorry exit from the ICC World Twenty20 in London when a new controversy has raised its ugly  head. The team's manager and Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) secretary V Chamundeswaranath has been suspended for various misdemeanours, including allegedly seeking sexual favours from women cricketers.

The ACA satrap was still in London along with Dhoni's men when, after an emergency executive meeting here on Thursday, ACA president Gokaraju Gangaraju said the decision to suspend Chamundeswaranath was taken in view of the serious charges levelled against him.

"A few women cricketers have approached the association with a complaint that the secretary had been harassing them for sexual favours in return for a place in the team. It has been decided to issue a show-cause notice to Chamundi
to prove his innocence and keep him under suspension till the case is finalised,'' said Gangaraju.

The meeting, attended by 25 of its 32 members, also resolved to ask Gangaraju to act as secretary till July 26 when the extraordinary general body meeting will look into the explanation -- if Chamudeswaranath gives one.

Sources at the meeting said an enquiry committee report found irregularities in the purchases made by Chamundeswaranath for the stadium in Visakhapatnam. The report apparently claimed that a chair which he bought for Rs 1,350 does not cost more than Rs 600. Chamundi had bought 24,000 chairs at that price and the executive decided to seek an explanation from him for misuse of ACA funds.

Speaking to TOI from London, Chamundeswaranath wondered how he could have been involved in the affairs of women's cricket when a former India player, Poornima Rau, works with the ACA as a consultant as well as its selector.

"I don't get involved in selection matters, least of all that of women's teams. And then I have a proven record of helping sportswomen. When I can help Saina Nehwal and Sania Mirza who are not cricketers, how can I have such an attitude towards cricketers?" he said.

Chamundeswaranath felt that the timing of the emergency meeting betrays the desperation of some members to engineer such a decision in his absence as they know they can't do it in his presence.

"Even if the report submitted by the enquiry committee has proved my guilt, is it not fair that I was given a hearing before a decision was taken," asked Chamundi, adding that he is confident that he will come clean of all charges.

"I come from a zamindari family and I don't need to make money through illegal means," he said, adding that he does not need much time to turn the tide.

According to Chamundeswaranath, a conflict between players and non-players in the association has led to this situation. "I have involved all former cricketers in the affairs of the ACA and this has caused heartburn among the zonal secretaries who feel that they have little say in cricketing matters."

The charges and rebuttals notwithstanding, trouble has been brewing for some time now and ego clashes between Gangaraju, an industrialist with political clout, and Chamundi only fuelled the fire. Interestingly, the former was installed by the latter two years ago when the long-standing ACA chief N Venkat Rao was ousted from office.

Gangaraju has since been unhappy, with Chamundi running the show his own way and not surprisingly, the axe he wielded on `Mr Quickfix' came quicker than the BMW Chamundi drives. 
 
 
 
Click here to comment on this story.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/T20-team-manager-suspended-on-sex-charge/articleshow/4673096.cms

[poondu]

Isn't he a former Hyd cricketer? what a nutcase..

[12th_Man]

Isn't he a former Hyd cricketer? what a nutcase..

Should have contacted YS for advice how to rope women when outside country.
Even in England was after her own womens team. Sick minds.

[dextrous]

Isn't he a former Hyd cricketer? what a nutcase..

Should have contacted YS for advice how to rope women when outside country.
Even in England was after her own womens team. Sick minds.

and wonder who thought of assigning a creepy man to the team? aren't there enough efficient women in the country to take control of the team!!

[Blwe_torch]

must be some board politics

[ramshorns]

Isn't he a former Hyd cricketer? what a nutcase..

No actually he used play for Andhra and played a game for SZ in 1989 timeframe.

One of Sachin's closest confidants.

When I say closest I mean really really close.  All Sachin's investments in Hyderabad real estate market is dealt by him.

Sachin and his Wife as per what I know has gifted him a top of the line Mercedes Benz which he also used to drive them around Sachin whenever he is in Hyderabad. 

I do not know how he is so close to Tendulkar but he is one of SRT's closest friends.

Let us see how all of this unfolds and what really happended here.

[dextrous]

[dextrous]

What is being said about Sachin and him might be true. But brief google search makes him seem to be a decent fellow.



http://www.hindu.com/2008/02/13/stories/2008021359260400.htm
http://www.hindu.com/2007/10/04/stories/2007100458210100.htm

[ramshorns]

Read this thread

http://www.cricketvoice.com/cricketforum2/index.php/topic,4561.msg62799.html#msg62799

and one of the quotes from him says thus in the above article in 2006 when Azza topic was brought in.

--
 "If I was a shady character, would Sachin interact with me? I am very close to Sachin Tendulkar. When he scored his record breaking 186 against New Zealand In Hyderabad, he came home and was here till 2 in the morning. He has also presented me with his World Cup '99 jersey autographed by him. He called me up in Vizag this year to invite me for his son's birthday party."[/color]

      "That should give you an idea of what kind of a person I am."

[ganavk]

pronounced guilty already on these pages ?

[12th_Man]

pronounced guilty already on these pages ?

[RicePlateReddy]

I demand that he be made manager of the Indian men's team. With Modi's support, he can make the reverse threat: "if you get dropped from the team you will have to sleep with me before you can return". (Their batting average will improve in either case!)

[12th_Man]

I demand that he be made manager of the Indian men's team. With Modi's support, he can make the reverse threat: "if you get dropped from the team you will have to sleep with me before you can return". (Their batting average will improve in either case!)

ROFLMAO 

[keep-it-cool]

Sounds a bit strange to me. Why would the women cricketers who are still in England approach the ACA? Wouldn't they approach the BCCI equivalent which runs women's cricket in India (Or is it the BCCI?)?

[broadbat]

Isn't he a former Hyd cricketer? what a nutcase..

Should have contacted YS for advice how to rope women when outside country.
Even in England was after her own womens team. Sick minds.

and wonder who thought of assigning a creepy man to the team? aren't there enough efficient women in the country to take control of the team!!

He was the manger of the mens team. right?

[dextrous]

I don't know; I wasn't there

[WicketView]

Isn't he a former Hyd cricketer? what a nutcase..

Should have contacted YS for advice how to rope women when outside country.
Even in England was after her own womens team. Sick minds.

and wonder who thought of assigning a creepy man to the team? aren't there enough efficient women in the country to take control of the team!!

He was the manger of the mens team. right?

That was my understanding too.

[sudzz]

Sounds a bit strange to me. Why would the women cricketers who are still in England approach the ACA? Wouldn't they approach the BCCI equivalent which runs women's cricket in India (Or is it the BCCI?)?

Hyd women cricketers complained

[keep-it-cool]

Maybe. But given the history between the two main characters, I wouldn't rule out a fabricated charge. Unfortunately in such cases the accused finds it very difficult to get rid of the stain even if he is ultimately proven innocent.

[ramshorns]

Chamundi’s can of worms
June 20th, 2009
By Our Correspondent     



Despite serious allegations of sexual harassment and financial misappropriation of funds, the BCCI officials refused to comment when asked what action will be taken against V. Chamundeswarnath, the suspended general secretary of the Andhra Cricket Association, currently in London as manager of Team India.

Off the record they admit “he’s an international operator; a fixer; is known to render favours through women... “His modus operandi is to get close to a power source in the team and operate from there. First he befriended Shivlal Yadav, then Azhar and now Sachin Tendulkar,” reveals a source in HCA.

He adds, “The BCCI will not act on the grounds that it is an internal matter of Andhra CA. The BCCI consists of state associations whose representatives elect the national officials. Andhra CA was active in the election of office bearers in 2006 when Shard Pawar’s team took over the BCCI.”

So Chamundi may just get away. But Sabita Kumari, former captain of the Andhra women’s team, stands by the sexual harassment allegations. She said, “I fail to understand why the players took so long to come out with the truth. Atleast 30 per cent of the deserving players are being left out and players who don’t even turn up for the selection trials are chosen in the state team. The team’s chief coordinator, Chandni Sreesha, is the main culprit. She selects the girls and sends them to Chamundi, ” Sabita said.

When asked why she never brought up the issue earlier, Sabita said, “I have personally not faced this situation. It is very unfortunate and if no one had spoken about this even now, it would have been buried.”

Gangaraju, President, Andhra Cricket Association said, “Most of the deserving girls have suffered in the hands of Chamundi. The girls have now come up with the accusations and necessary action will being taken.”

Another player, who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “For the last three years I have been performing well but Chamundi found fault with my attitude and hence I was not selected.”

More skeletons in Chamundi’s cupboard

* He was interrogated by the CBI during the match fixing scandal because of his links with former Indian captain Azharuddin. It was believed he was aware of Azhar’s financial dealings. But soon after Sangeeta Bijlani came into Azhar’s life, Chamundi was kept at a distance. She couldn’t stand him.

* Chamundi then befriended Sachin Tendulkar, and people in the cricket world giggled, “Whoever is in power, Chamundi befriends them.”

* In 1992, on the tour of South Africa, Chamundi was accused of barging into the Indian team’s exclusive areas. He accompanied the team on the diplomatic visit to meet the ANC President, Nelson Mandela, though he was resented by the other officials on the tour.

* It is alleged that he faked his own kidnap drama, to get away from a police case.

* His appointment as Team India’s manager raised many eyebrows. It is alleged Chamundi “managed” it as a huge favour from the cricket board.

The allegations against Chamundeswarnath, are serious in nature. But the police did not receive any complaint so far either from the association or the individual players who were affected. We will take immediate action once the complaint is lodged.

P. Sabita Indra Reddy,
Home Minister

***

Based on the complaint of the victims, we will order an inquiry into the issue where women cricketers were allegedly harassed. We will not spare the guilty. A meeting will be held to chalk out a plan to protect women’s rights in the state.

Konda Surekha,
Minister for women and child welfare

[RicePlateReddy]

More skeletons in Chamundi’s cupboard

* He was interrogated by the CBI during the match fixing scandal because of his links with former Indian captain Azharuddin. It was believed he was aware of Azhar’s financial dealings. But soon after Sangeeta Bijlani came into Azhar’s life, Chamundi was kept at a distance. She couldn’t stand him.

Bijlani's judgement is obviously questionable. She married Fixer Azhar for heaven's sake! This guy was very close to Azhar's wife. Bijlani would have naturally detested him.

* Chamundi then befriended Sachin Tendulkar, and people in the cricket world giggled, “Whoever is in power, Chamundi befriends them.”

Smart guy. He gravitates to power centers and influential people!

* In 1992, on the tour of South Africa, Chamundi was accused of barging into the Indian team’s exclusive areas. He accompanied the team on the diplomatic visit to meet the ANC President, Nelson Mandela, though he was resented by the other officials on the tour.

Is there a single Indian official who has kept a low profile and not enjoyed the privileges bestowed on a visiting Indian cricket team? Is it a big deal that he tagged along with the official team for some symbolic visit? Would any of us turn down such an opportunity if we could wangle it? Remember that boat party planned to celebrate India's qualification in the Super 8 and the guest list, expenses and freeloaders who were disappointed. At least this fellow has played cricket and captained his state team, unlike seedy politicians who can't resist the money and influence.

* It is alleged that he faked his own kidnap drama, to get away from a police case.

Weird and vicious rumor.

* His appointment as Team India’s manager raised many eyebrows. It is alleged Chamundi “managed” it as a huge favour from the cricket board.

P. R. Maan Singh was manager of the Indian cricket team when we won the WC in 1983. Nice and soft spoken man-- son of a liquor baron who sponsored cricket in AP, Mallya style (but affable and non-vicious like Mallya). For a long time, managers of the Indian cricket team have been logistics "operators" who got along with the players and knew them. The manager role has always been doled out as a favor from the cricket board and was PR oriented. From what little we know, Chamundi knew people and how to get things done. Why the surprise if he was made manager?

The allegations against Chamundeswarnath, are serious in nature. But the police did not receive any complaint so far either from the association or the individual players who were affected. We will take immediate action once the complaint is lodged.

He might have done something shady -- we don't know. But this laundry list of weak accusations only dilutes the charge against him.

[ramshorns]

Women cricketers vow to take on Chamundi


Staff Reporter


He has absolute disregard for women, they say 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

His agents are following us, says a cricketer

Police have failed to initiate action: POW


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Women cricketers taking a pledge in Vijayawada Club on Tuesday


VIJAYAWADA: The aggrieved Andhra women cricketers on Tuesday took an oath in front of the media to stay together in their fight against the expelled Andhra Cricket Association secretary V. Chamundeswaranath and not to succumb to any “allurements and intimidations” by the former cricket official.

Leading the 14 cricketers was the former Andhra women cricket team captain Savitha Kumari, who alleged that women cricketers were looked down upon as “sex objects” and not as cricketers by the regime of Chamundeswaranath in the Andhra Cricket Association.

“Chamundi is trying his best to make a dent into our unity. Already he succeeded in trapping Neelima and Durga Bhavani by offering them money. We are taking an oath today and we will stay together in our fight against Chamundi, who has absolute disregard for women,” she said.

Another cricketer Ramadevi accused Chamundeswaranath of trying to kidnap her brother. “His agents are following us and our family members. But, come what may, we will stay together until we get justice.”

V. Sandhya, president of the Progressive Organisation for Women, who came to extend her solidarity, said that it was unfortunate that the girls who took up cricket to make a career out of it were forced to live like nomads. “The girls told me that Chamundi was threatening their family members with dire consequences. His agents are stalking the girls and their family members. He is causing tremendous mental pressure to these girls. These girls are unable to pursue their game, their education and their ordinary life. I urge the government to act immediately and bring the culprit to book,” she demanded.

Ms. Sandhya said that despite the report submitted by Additional Director-General of Police M. Ratan clearly documenting the feelings of the girls, the Vijayawada police failed to initiate any action. “It is unfortunate that the government, which promises to protect women and girls in distress, is dilly dallying because of the high-level connections of Chamundi."

POW general secretary Jhansi, Guntur district secretary Ganga Bhavani and Krishna district secretary Durga, ACA vice-president Vishnu Kumar Raju and others were present.

http://www.hindu.com/2009/09/30/stories/2009093051200200.htm

[Flamingo]

That mustache has guilty written all over it.

I actually feel a little sick now. 

[12th_Man]

That mustache has guilty written all over it.

I actually feel a little sick now. 

Then, stop looking at his mustache.