Football body ex-secy booked

Gurugram, January 21

Sunil Bhardwaj, former secretary, Haryana Football Association, who has been in the line of fire for alleged non-payment of dues to the tune of Rs 10.32 lakh to the District Sports Council, has been booked.

Acting on the complaint of then District Sports Council secretary and District Sports Officer Parasram, an FIR has been registered.

In January 2013, Bhardwaj hired Kapil Pavilion from the District Sports Council to operate Panasonic Football Academy at Nehru Stadium. The academy was operated till June 21, 2015. The fixed rent payment was not given to the sports council by the association.

In June 2015, then Sports Minister Anil Vij inspected the stadium, after which pending dues came to light. The minister ordered the District Sports Council Chairman and Deputy Commissioner to recover dues of Rs 10.32 lakh.

Parasram sent a notice to then secretary and District Sports Officer, asking the association secretary to pay. The association did not pay. On August 24, 2014, a notice was sent to the secretary, but he did not pay. On DC’s orders, on September 7, 2016, a complaint was lodged. Bhardwaj could not be contacted for comment. — OC