The first set of directions released by former SC judge came as a shock as he appointed tainted employee Pritam Panwar, manager accounts, as signing authority in the banks along with another of his colleague in the accounts department, Vikrant.
Justice (retd.) Vikramajit Sen, former Supreme Court judge and Delhi High Court-appointed administrator, probably had no idea of what he has been dealing with, as he entered the Ferozeshah Kotla ground premises to take charge from Justice (retd.) Mukul Mudgal on Wednesday.
It was 9.30am sharp and the entire 100-odd Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) staff was there at the gate to greet the new Delhi cricket's administrator. Most of the employees who used to be posted at former officials' residences to do their personal work were there to trap Justice Sen on the wrong foot on the instructions of their "My-lords" who are still trying to find ways to put obstructions in the Supreme Court orders of July 18.
And they were pretty successful in taking Justice Sen for a ride on day one.
The first set of directions released by former SC judge came as a shock as he appointed tainted employee Pritam Panwar, manager accounts, as signing authority in the banks along with another of his colleague in the accounts department, Vikrant.
This despite the fact that Panwar has been grilled several times by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over his alleged involvement in facilitating the Rs 1.5 crore fraud by former president Sneh Bansal and other cases of financial bungling. Even DDCA's own fact finding team charge-sheeted Panwar for his "misdeeds" in 2014.
To top it all, Vikrant is also a hand-pick of Panwar and was brought into the DDCA accounts department during Bansal's tenure as secretary despite the fact that he was not qualified for the post.
Though Vikrant has no charges against his name, the whistle-blowers in the DDCA now fear that "investigation by CBI is at an advanced stage and by giving financial charge to such people may hamper the further progress".
This despite the fact that former DDCA treasurer Ravindra (Gopi) Manchanda is available and was assisting Justice Mudgal team during his one year stay at Kotla. It has also been learnt that Justice Mudgal's team suggested names of Manchanda and another of DDCA director, Ajay Sharma, for assistance in financial matters.
No nonsense
However, Justice Sen meant business as he warned DDCA staff of dismissal if any of them found were found "working at homes or offices of former tainted officials". He then demanded a list of fixtures to be played under the aegis of DDCA.
With Delhi HC ordering audit of DDCA annual accounts for years 2012-15 (three years), Justice Sen revealed that he is likely to appoint a committee of sportspersons to run cricketing affairs of the state soon.
But it would be amending the DDCA constitution, which is registered with the Registrar of Companies Act, that is going to be the most challenging ask for Justice Sen before conducting elections as per Justice Lodha panel recommendations. Justice Mudgal proved to a successful administrator during his year-long stint only because he managed to keep the various vested bodies out of Kotla premises.
Cricket first
The new DDCA administrator was then introduced to Delhi's Ranji one-day squad which was training under coach KP Bhaskar inside Kotla. "Why is Delhi team not doing well?" asked Justice Sen.
To which Bhaskar, a prolific domestic scorer of his yesteryears, replied: "With you as in charge now, I hope that problems of plenty would be sorted out soon and cricket will once again be the priority here in Delhi."
Justice Sen assured the players and coaches of his full support. And when he was apprised that dues of many players and coaches are still pending, he assured of quick settlement.
Justice Sen may have started his new innings on a wrong foot but he quickly needs to realise that "there are very few people inside Kotla premises that he could trust during his stay here".
One thing to be noted is that the DDCA was only showed losses in its balance sheets over last decade and half before Justice Mudgal converted it into a profit making organisation.
Also, Justice Sen sealed off the offices of the disqualified officials and asked them to hand over their keys.
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