In April 2014, Varanasi police arrested UP football association Secretary general Mohammed shamsuddin, who was accused of sexual harassment by a woman footballer.

What is more interesting about it is that he was arrested from the residence of the victims’ relatives in Kasturba Nagar locality following a tip from the fellow women footballers. Shamsuddin allegedly went there to convince the family to resolve the issue out of court.

One of the players had told HT that she sent an SMS to the police when Shamsuddin went to resolve the issue with the family. And right after that all the 25 players barged into the place and shouted slogans against Shamsuddin.

Not only this, the players made a serious demand from All India Football Federation, which is a governing body under Ministry of Youth affairs and Sports and UP football association to remove Shamsuddin otherwise they won’t proceed for National championships that was to be held on 28 April 2014.

Shamsuddin was arrested that evening. AIFF maintained in a statement that it is investigating the matter, however no such action was ever taken against Shamsuddin.

Three days later, Mohammad Shamsuddin, a high level officer, accused of sexual harassment, took shelter under the law to attend the executive committee meeting of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) post his bail, despite a bad influence. But continued to enjoyed the position later. 

The victim and her fellow teammates who stood United against harassment of Shamsuddin, were unfortunately suspended from the tournament. On their place, other team was sent to play national football championship tournament. Meanwhile, Mohammad Shamsuddin continued to enjoy his position as Deputy Chairman till his demise in 2020.

 

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