Picture Credit: Indian Express
The Centre on Thursday took action against IAS couple Sanjeev Khirwar and Rinku Dugga by transferring them outside Delhi after reports surfaced that athletes at New Delhi's Thyagraj stadium were being forced to finish their training early so that the officer could bring his dog to the facility for their daily evening walk.
As reported by the Indian Express, one of the coaches from the ground had expressed that they were asked to leave the ground by 7 pm as the IAS had to walk their dog. “We used to train till 8-8.30 pm under lights earlier. But now, we are asked to leave the ground by 7 pm so that the officer can walk his dog on the ground. Our training and practise routine has been disrupted,” the coach was quoted as saying.
The MHA soon reacted to the issue as the Delhi Chief Secretary submitted a report regarding the factual position of the news report. MHA sources said as reported by the Print said, “The MHA had sought a report from Chief Secretary, Delhi on the news report regarding the misuse of facilities at Thyagraj Stadium by Sanjeev Khirwar and his wife Rinku Dugga.”
“Chief Secretary, Delhi submitted a report later in the evening on the factual position to MHA. In the meanwhile, Khirwar has been transferred by MHA to Ladakh and Dhugga to Arunachal Pradesh. Necessary action will be initiated based on the report.”
Amidst the overall angry reactions of the people, the Union territory's ruling party Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government issued a notice saying that all sports facilities will now remain open till 10 pm for athletes to undergo training.
Deputy Chief Minister also tweeted about it and wrote, “News reports have brought to our notice that certain sports facilities are being closed early causing inconvenience to sportsmen who wish to play till late nite. CM @ArvindKejriwal has directed that all Delhi Govt sports facilities to stay open for sportsmen till 10 pm.”