Shishir Hattangadi labels probe on BCCI’s Rahul Johri as ‘baseless and fabricated’

The independent panel that was set up to handle the sexual harassment case levelled against BCCI CEO Rahul Johri recently revealed the results of the entire investigation. Shishir Hattangadi, who was one of the people who was deposed in the entire investigation process before the panel, was unhappy with the final results of the entire probe.

In a text message sent to The Hindu, Hattangadi labeled the entire investigation as ‘baseles,, fabricated and manufactured’ as he was adamant that the findings recorded by Rakesh Sharma and Barkha Singh have been inconclusive.

“It insults and discourages anyone who wants to come forward with an intent to help a probe. How can findings be diametrically opposite between the committee members? How can the BCCI lady employee not be asked to verify the accused persons behavioural pattern.

“One swallow doesn't make a summer, but when one sees more than one swallow (in this case 2 or 3), then it is incumbent on the probe committee to do a detailed probe with HR heads of previous employees and bosses to get them to sign a declaration on the truth. So when it is produced in a court, there is a documented paper that talks about history of a person,” the text message read.

Shishir, who played for Mumbai cricket team and was also part of the Mumbai Indians management staff, compared the entire investigation to a fixed cricket match.

“Are we saying these ladies were lying. As a child we noticed that the one who owned the bat, walked off, if he was declared out saying it's my bat and the match is abandoned. This reminds me of a fixed game where the bat belongs to one person.

“Cricket’s popularity is due to the players’ performances over generations and its success, the support of the fan, the media and sponsors who are custodians of this game. We as fans have to ensure that we protect the institution from the tarnished image. We can hold back Mohammad Shami’s Central Contract for an allegation, ban (Steve) Smith and (David) Warner for a mistake, but can't conduct a probe that has a uniformity of opinion and findings. What does it say to world cricket about our transparency? Let the cricket fan decide,’’ Hattangadi concluded.