By IANS,
New Delhi : Visiting officials and participants at the Asian Wrestling Championships here have lodged strong complaints against what they call “police harassment” and have asked authorities to sort out all security issues before the Commonwealth Games.
A day after world wrestling body, FILA, president Raphael Martinetti was made to run around to find the exit gate, the policemen went a bit too far by not only preventing an official of the Iranian team from entering the players’ arena but also heckling him Friday.
The official photographer of the Iranian team, Ali Kaveh, was stopped from entering the arena where his wards were preparing for their events, despite sporting a valid accreditation card. His fault was that he tried to facilitate an interaction between the high-profile Iranian coach Mohammed Bana and a couple of Indian journalists.
Kaveh’s card allowed him access to the wrestling arena, hospitality lounge and press area, but senior police officials stopped him and pushed him out of the athletes preparation arena on the pretext that he was carrying a camera. However, another female Japanese official with a camera was allowed to roam free.
A disappointed Kaveh said: “I travel with the team to all international events including the Olympics and the World Championships, but I have never faced such harassment. It is ridiculous to see the securitymen outnumbering spectators here. Everyday a new rule is enforced. Everything was fine in the last two days, but I don’t know why this sudden change today.”
When some media persons tried to intervene, the policemen threatened them,too, with dire consequences.
A security official threatened: “No one is allowed here. If you don’t listen, we will show you how Delhi Police works.”
FILA president Martinetti had already warned India of severe repercussions if security issues are not sorted out soon.
“These things should not happen. I have been to 10 Olympics and eight Commonwealth Games, but I have never faced such ridiculous situations. It’s not good for the organisers with the Commonwealth Games four months off. This has to stop. Everyday I am receiving complaints from the technical delegates and the referee chiefs daily. Problems like these should have been resolved much earlier and not in the middle of a championship,” he said.