IOA secretary, wrestling referee held in Glasgow

The Indian contingent at the Commonwealth Games was left embarrassed after Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Secretary-General Rajeev Mehta and an unattached wrestling referee, Virender Malik, were held on different charges on Sunday.

While Mehta was arrested for drunken driving, Malik, who is not a part of the official contingent, is reportedly facing the more serious charge of sexual assault.

A Scotland Police spokesperson confirmed the arrests but refused to divulge anything more. “On August 2, a 49-year-old man was arrested following reports of drunk driving at City Centre of Glasgow. On August 2, a 45-year-old man was arrested following reports of an alleged assault in the west of Glasgow,” said the spokesperson. The two will be produced in court on Monday.

The duo was, however, not staying with the official 215-strong contingent, which is putting up at the Games village. Both of them were reportedly lodged at a local hotel.Asked if Malik had been arrested for sexual assault, the spokesperson said, “I cannot confirm right now.”

Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Mike Hooper said: “We are aware of the matter. It is a matter of Scotland Police and any question related to this issue should be addressed to them.” 

The Indian Consulate in Edinburgh said it is liaising with the police on the matter. “We have learnt about the detention of two members of the Commonwealth contingent by the local (Glasgow) police. Our Consulate in Edinburgh has deputed an official to Glasgow to keep in close touch with the police authorities to ascertain full factual details of the case,” said a spokesman. “We are also in touch with the team,” he added.

According to unconfirmed reports, Mehta was allegedly caught driving under the influence of alcohol. He requested the police not to release details of his arrest even to his family, which is travelling with him.

Depending on how much over the legal alcohol limit he was, Mehta could face anything from a hefty fine or a driving ban to a jail term.