After FIR for misusing multi-crore govt facility, Ludhiana civic body seals stadium

In a major development, the famous Shastri Badminton Hall, situated near Rakh Bagh, was sealed by officials of the Municipal Corporation on Tuesday. The action comes after several complaints were received against Anupam Kumaria, secretary of the Ludhiana Badminton Association, regarding his alleged illegal control and running of a private academy inside the hall. It is also viewed as the end of the 15 years’ illegal occupation as Kumaria had also been running the unauthorised Ludhiana Badminton Academy registered at his residence without government approval and he was operating his personal academy at the Shastri hall.

After the development, players who daily come for practice at the stadium also gathered outside it and expressed that locking of the stadium would hit the practice of players as many of them are already preparing for upcoming badminton tournaments. Guardians accompanying the players urged the administration to open the stadium as soon as possible so that players can continue their practice.

Earlier, Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain had ordered a probe into the matter, which led to the registration of an FIR against officials of the badminton association and academy. Following his appearance before investigators, Kumaria was granted a regular bail by a local court. The matter remains under investigation.

Despite these proceedings, the hall continued to remain under the same management till Tuesday, when MC officials formally took control and locked the premises.

Jain assured that the hall would reopen within two days. “I have checked with the Municipal Corporation. Some urgent repair work and safety checks were required, due to which the hall has been closed temporarily,” he said.

He said issues regarding the hall’s management had been under review for several days but emphasised that students’ training would not be hampered. “For us, the practice of students and players is most crucial. We appeal to parents to cooperate, as it is a matter of safety and security,” he said.

The DC further assured that a qualified coach would soon be appointed and a proper management system be put in place for the smooth functioning of the hall.

The development is considered a major setback to Anupam Kumaria, who had been allegedly exercising illegal control over the hall for the past 15 years.

Municipal Commissioner Aadtiya Dachalwal told The Tribune that Shastri Badminton Hall was a property of the corporation and now, its full control was taken back. Now, the government would run its affairs in a transparent manner so that every player gets a chance to play by just paying a nominal fee.

Meanwhile, sources said though the MC claimed to have sealed the stadium on the pretext of repair and taking control, which was under illegal hands, it was learnt that a tussle between two groups to take control of the facility was going on for a long time as one group was adamant to take control of the same.

Players’ practice won’t stop, says DC

“The hall has only been temporarily closed for two days. Sealing was necessary for safety checks and repair work. Players’ practice will not be disrupted. We appeal to parents for their cooperation. I assure that a qualified coach would soon be appointed and a transparent management system would be implemented,” the DC said.

Reports highlighted misuse of facility

Reports published in these columns had highlighted the misuse of multi-crore facility and the Shashtri Badminton Hall by officer-bearers. Following the same, the DC had formed a SIT to investigate the fraud. After the SIT probe, an FIR was registered against officer-bearers of the Ludhiana Badminton Association.