The Uttar Pradesh government has suspended the district sports officer in Saharanpur after reports emerged that kabaddi players were served food kept on the floor of a toilet in the local sports complex.
Videos that have now become widely circulated show a large plate filled with cooked rice was initially kept on the floor of a toilet complex at the Dr. Bhimrao Sports Stadium in Saharanpur. The cooked rice was later served to around 200 players taking part in a three-day state-level under-17 girls' kabaddi tournament.
Saharanpur District Magistrate Akhilesh Singh said irregularities regarding food served to players had come to light, following which district sports officer Animesh Saxena has been suspended. An inquiry has been ordered and a report will be submitted in two-three days, said Singh.
Speaking to India Today, Saharanpur district sports officer Animesh Saxena said that due to rain, food items were kept in a changing room adjacent to the swimming pool. Arrangements were made to cook food for the sportspersons in the changing room as construction work is ongoing at the stadium, he claimed.
Taking cognisance of the incident, Union sports minister Anurag Thakur said, "I've directed strict action against the accused contractor and officers. I have also directed that the contractor be blacklisted for the future."