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Published 13:01 IST, September 5th 2019

Sports Minister assures action on swimming coach in molestation case

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju retorts against accused Surajit Ganguly, a swimming coach in Goa who molested a minor girl after a video surfaced on social media.

Reported by: Ankita Chakraborty
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The Union Sports Minister of India Kiren Rijiju recently posted a series of tweets in regards to the case of a Goa-based swimming coach assaulting a girl. Surajit Ganguly, a swimming coach, has been accused of molesting a minor girl. Ganguly was sacked after a video surfaced of the alleged incident on social media. Rijiju promised that strict actions will be taken against the accused. He also asked the Swimming Federation of India to ensure that Surajit Ganguly is not employed anywhere across the country. Police have booked Ganguly and said that case has been registered against the accused who is absconding. Both victim & accused are from West Bengal.

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Goa Swimming Association (GSA) on the incident

The GSA appointed Surajit Ganguly about two and a half years ago for its Mapusa facility. He showed an incredible track record, having won 12 medals in international swimming competitions. Surajit Ganguly had won his first medal at the Asian Swimming Championships in Hong Kong in 1984. Therefore, the GSA had no reasons to doubt his work profile as there were no prior complaints registered against him. 

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Surajit Ganguly gets sacked

In 2017, Surajit Ganguly was apparently congratulated along with other coaches for bringing in 'pride and glory' to swimming and diving sports. The GSA responded to the allegation and went on to comment that Ganguly has been sacked. His contract was terminated immediately after the incident. Syed Abdul Majid, the Secretary of GSA notified that he was sacked as soon as news of his abuse had surfaced. 

'We terminated Surajit''s contract immediately after watching the video. Both the girl and coach are from Bengal.' Syed said in a statement. Further adding, 'We had appointed him because he had a good track record as a coach. There have been no prior complaints against him.' 

READ: Indian Man Detained In Dubai For Molesting Minor

(Inputs from PTI)

Updated 17:57 IST, September 5th 2019

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