Wrestler Bajrang questions selection criteria for Khel Ratna
New Delhi, Sep 20 : Dejected over the denial of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, seasoned wrester Bajrang Punia on Thursday said he was "hurt" and questioned the selection criteria for the country's highest sporting honour.
Despite winning gold medals in the Asian Games at Jakarta and the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, his name did not feature in the final list of nominees.
His list of laurels isn't limited to one season, as he had won a World Championship bronze medal in 2013 and silver in 2014.
"I'm hurt for not being recognised for my talent and performances, I don't know what was the criteria of selection for this award," he told reporters here.
"I tried calling Rathore sir's number (Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore), but he didn't even reply back. I'm going to meet him in person to enquire about the matter."
"Now my hopes are pinned on Rathore as I believe I am one of the eligible candidates for the award."
"Anyone can see my record. I have performed consistently for my country. I don't know what else is there to be done.
"And if I don't get justice from the sports minister, I will be left with no other option than taking the legal route," he cautioned.
The 2015 Arjuna award winner pointed out his outstanding performances in recent years and asked the sports ministry to keep an athlete's morale high rather than treating him badly.
"The World Championship is scheduled to begin next month, and I'm preparing to make my country and people, proud, yet again.
"But such treatment of athletes by the ministry shows their ignorance towards rewarding top-notch athletes, and keeping their morale high for the future," he said.
Talking about the other nominees, who include Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli and weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, the Haryana grappler said: "I'm not against any other athlete winning the award."
"On the contrary, I'd like to congratulate them for their achievements. But the selection process must be made transparent," he remarked.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
11-year-old dies by suicide after sexual assault in Bareilly; accused arrested
Bareilly (UP) (PTI): A 26-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl, who later died by suicide due to trauma, police said on Wednesday.
The post-mortem report confirmed sexual assault and multiple injuries on the minor's body, including bite marks and nail scratches. The cause of death was found to be hanging, they said.
According to ASP (South) Anshika Verma, the incident came to light on 27 April, when the girl, a Class 8 student, was found hanging at her home in Deoria Abdullaganj village under the Mirganj police station area. Initially, the family reported the death as suicide and was reluctant to pursue police action.
"The autopsy report changed the course of the investigation. It confirmed sexual assault and noted severe physical trauma. The cause of death was confirmed as hanging," Verma said.
A breakthrough in the case came from the statement of the victim's younger sister, who told police that the accused, Zeeshan (26), a resident of the same village, frequently loitered near the minor's school and allegedly gave her small sums of money to keep his interactions with her a secret, she said.
Police said that on the day of the incident, the accused allegedly lured the minor and assaulted her. Distressed by the incident, the child later took her own life while her mother was away, police said.
"Based on technical surveillance, CCTV footage, and statements from the family, we established Zeeshan's involvement. He was arrested near the Mirganj weekly market on Tuesday," they said.
