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‘484 civilians killed’ in US-led strikes in Syria

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US military reports 484 civilian deaths by US-led coalition strikes, but outside monitors put the number much higher.

Nearly 200,000 civilians are caught in an area of about eight-square kilometres in Mosul [Karim Sahib/AFP]

Nearly 200,000 civilians are caught in an area of about eight-square kilometres in Mosul [Karim Sahib/AFP]

by Al Jazeera

The US military said that coalition attacks on ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq have killed more than 480 civilians since mid-2014 – a tally that is far below those of outside monitors.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement on Friday that it added an additional 132 civilians deaths to its April report, a sharp increase from 352 it previously reported in late April.

However, that total, which only includes civilian deaths through April, was still far short of what non-governmental organisations and monitors have estimated.

Airwars, a London-based collective of journalists and researchers that tracks civilian deaths in Syria and Iraq, estimated more than 3,800 non-combatants have been killed since the US-led coalition’s operations began in August 2014.

Mosul offensive

CENTCOM’s estimate includes 105 civilians killed in a US-led air raid in March against a building in the Iraqi city of Mosul, the single deadliest incident for civilians arising from a coalition strike since anti-ISIL operations began in Iraq and Syria nearly three years ago.

Separately, Al Jazeera’s sources recently said more than 120 civilians were killed in less than a week as Iraqi forces – backed by coalition air power – move to take the remaining pockets of territory held by ISIL in Mosul.

In a statement emailed to Al Jazeera earlier on Friday by the Operation Inherent Resolve press office, the coalition said it “is aware of allegations of civilian casualties”.

It added that the “coalition and Iraqi security forces are making every attempt to safeguard civilians as they liberate the city from ISIS terrorists who are using snipers to target civilians trying to flee the city … The coalition takes all allegations of civilian casualties serious and will assess the allegations”.

The battle to recapture the last stronghold of ISIL in Iraq has now entered its eighth month.

Iraqi government forces, backed by US advisers, artillery and air support, have cleared the east and most of western Mosul and are now focused on controlling the Old City with Iraqi civilians paying a heavy price.

“We moved out and got frightened by heavy air strikes,” one civilian who escaped the fighting in western Mosul told Al Jazeera. “We fled after our house was destroyed by mortar shelling.”

The close-quarter fighting has intensified with reports that ISIL fighters have gathered at the historic al-Nuri Mosque – a centuries-old structure famous for its leaning minaret – to make a last stand as Iraqi forces encircle the armed group in its de facto capital after capturing the city in 2014.

Nearly 200,000 civilians are caught in an area of about eight-square kilometres.

Al Jazeera’s Osama bin Javaid, reporting from Erbil, just east of Mosul, said observers are pushing the Iraqi military and the US-led coalition to take care of civilians, despite the intensity of combat against ISIL.

“Saving people is proving to be easier said than done,” Javaid said. “Aid workers and rights groups have been repeating their concerns that in the process to push ISIL out, Iraqi forces must make sure that civilians are not caught in the crossfire.”

5-year-old sexually abused in Bengaluru

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rape

Bengaluru: A five-year-old girl was sexually assaulted, beaten up and dumped in a semi-conscious state on a roadside in the city after she went outside of her makeshift tent to relieve herself in the intervening night of Friday and Saturday.

According to the police, the incident occurred in K G Halli police station limits, and the girl was found by a policeman on beat patrol in the area. The girl was bleeding due to head injuries and was immediately rushed to the state-run Bowring hospital, officials added. She has suffered several injuries.

Doctors treating the girl suspect she has been sexually assaulted and said she is currently under shock.

“The girl was admitted at about 3.45 AM at our hospital. There are genital injuries like vaginal tear, her ring finger has been amputated and there is also a scalp injury which led to the bleeding,” Dr Manjunath told reporters.

He said the girl was in shock and a bit disoriented. Prima facie it appears she has been sexually assaulted, he said, adding the sex abuse cell would conduct further tests to ascertain this. Doctors said that she is out of danger and all her vital health parameters are stable. She is currently undergoing treatment at the paediatric intensive care unit of the hospital.

Additional Commissioner of Police (Bengaluru), Hemanth Nimbalkar, said a case has been registered under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and investigations are on.

He said three teams have been formed, including a technical team and a special team under the supervision of Ajay Hilory, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Bengaluru East).

Nimbalkar said after the doctors suspected sexual assault, the girl’s mother was traced. Following her statement, a case was registered. She told the police that her daughter had gone out of the tent in which they were staying to attend to a nature’s call and did not return.

Cops said they are waiting for the girl to regain consciousness to take her statement. They suspect that someone known to her or someone residing near her house might have committed the crime.

Minister for Bengaluru Development and Town Planning KJ George visited the girl at the hospital on Saturday afternoon. He called it a “heinous crime” and said the incident shames the entire society.

He said she would be provided the best medical treatment possible and police would investigate and take action against the culprits at the earliest.

(Agencies)

India lose to Belgium in three-nation hockey tourney opener

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(AFP)

(AFP)

Dusseldorf: The Indian men’s hockey team conceded two late goals in the final quarter to go down 1-2 to Belgium in their opening match of the three-nation invitational tournament here.

Despite taking a 1-0 lead in the third quarter through a splendid penalty corner conversion by Harmanpreet Singh, India conceded two goals via Cedric Charlier (52nd minute) and Tom Boon (55th) in the final quarter to lose the tie on Friday.

Riding high on their impressive 5-2 win against Germany in their first match on Thursday, Belgium got off the block against India with vigour.

But the Indian defence led by Rupinder Pal Singh, Harmanpreet and Surender Kumar, who played his 50th international match, prevented the Belgian side from taking an early lead.

After ending the first quarter in a stalemate, India were quick to earn their first penalty corner or PC in the 19th minute. Though dragflicker Harmanpreet’s attempt was well-struck and fierce, it was blocked by the Belgian defender’s stick thus missing out on a 1-0 lead.

But soon after, India forward Ramandeep Singh, who is back in action after an injury break, did well to win the team their second PC. He was tactical with his dribble to find the foot of Belgian defender inside the striking circle.

However, Belgium goalkeeper Jeremy Gucassoff denied India an early celebration as he came up with an impressive save to keep Harmanpreet from converting the goal, and ended the second quarter with the score reading 0-0.

The 10-minute break saw some vital strategic changes brought in by chief coach Roelant Oltmans as India came up with an improvised attack.

It paid off with the team winning their fourth PC of the match only minutes into the third quarter but Harmanpreet was unlucky yet again as his fiercely-struck flick was blocked away by the Belgian defenders.

Though he was quick to get the rebound and attempt a reverse hit on goal, he was slightly off target with the ball hitting the crossbar.

However, the lost attempts did little to dent his spirit as he scored in India’s fifth attempt at PC and earned the much-needed 1-0 lead in the 38th minute of the match.

A stylish dragflicker that he is, Harmanpreet beautifully struck the ball to the bottom right of the Belgium keeper giving him no chance to defend.

There was plenty of action in the fourth quarter with Belgium coming back into the game by earning their first PC of the match. Though India’s defence denied them a goal, Charlier succeeded in winning an equaliser for his team in the 52nd minute with a field goal.

Though Belgium won back-to-back PCs soon after, Surender was impressive in his defence to deny them the opportunity. But India ended up conceding their second goal when Boon converted a PC in the 55th minute to win the match.

(IANS)

No wheelchair, woman drags ill husband for scanning in Shivamogga hospital

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Shivamogga

Shivamogga: In a bizarre incident,an elderly woman had to drag her ill husband along the floorto get his scanning done as she was allegedly not provided with a wheelchair at a government run-hospital here.

The video of the incident, where Amir Saab, aged about 75, is seen being dragged by his foot along the floor by his wife Fameeda, has sparked outrage with the government ordering an inquiry into it.

The incident occurred on May 31 afternoon, at the state government run McGann Hospital here.

According to the patient, his wife was not provided the wheel chair by hospital authorities, despite repeated requests.

“We were fed up after repeatedly asking for a wheelchair. No one gave it. So my wife dragged me outside. By thensomeone came. They raised their voice against hospital authoritiesand got us the wheelchair,” Amir Saab toldreporters.

He said he has got back pain after being dragged along the floor and also complained that doctors were not visiting “properly”.

Health department officials said Amir Saab was admitted on May 25 due to some lung problem, breathing issues and swelling in the body. The physician after conducting tests, had advised an abdomen scan on May 30, they said.

The “unfortunate” incident should not have occurred as there were adequate number of wheelchairs, the hospital officials said, adding, an inquiry would be held regarding the lapses.

Minister for Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil, under whose department the hospital comes, has ordered aninquiry.

Stating that he was “surprised” by the incident, Patil said he would ask for the report and take action against those responsible.

Health Minister Ramesh Kumar said officials toldhim the patient’s family was “impatient” to wait for thewheelchair.

“But I told officials that such incidentsshould not have happened at a government hospital. So conduct aninquiry and submit a report, so that action can be takenagainst those responsible,” he said.

Kumar while apologising to the public for the incident, also appealed to them not to loose faith in government hospitals because of such stray incidents.

(Agencies)

UP police jeep kills woman, injures three others in bid to save cow

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cow

Lucknow: Saffron groups attacking civilians under the pretext of cattle protection is very common in Uttar Pradesh. But, this time a police jeep did not hesitate to ram into a group of human beings just to save a cow in the BJP ruled state.

A woman was killed and three people, including her grandchildren, were injured when they were hit by a police jeep whose driver was trying to save a cow.

The incident took place on Saturday in Harriya township when Usha Devi, 60, and the others were walking on the road.

The driver of the police’s Dial 100 jeep lost control of the vehicle in an effort to save a cow.

Usha Devi was killed on the spot. Three people, including her two granddaughters aged two and four, were admitted to the district hospital, police said.

A case has been registered against the driver of the vehicle.

(Agencies)

Trump asks Supreme Court to reinstate Muslim travel ban

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High court to rule on ban barring entry to people from Libya, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days.

The legal battle has been taken to the US Supreme Court [File: David Ryder/Reuters]

The legal battle has been taken to the US Supreme Court [File: David Ryder/Reuters]

by Al Jazeera

The US administration has asked the Supreme Court to revive its controversial ban on travellers from six Muslim-majority countries, despite repeated setbacks in the lower courts that found it was discriminatory.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 6, barring people from Libya, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days while the government put in place stricter visa screening.

Last week, the federal appeals court in Richmond, Virginia, maintained a block on the ban, stating that Trump’s travel policy was rooted in “intolerance”.

A similar ruling against Trump’s policy from a Hawaii-based federal judge is still in place and will be reviewed by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

“We have asked the Supreme Court to hear this important case and are confident that President Trump’s executive order is well within his lawful authority to keep the nation safe and protect our communities from terrorism,” Sarah Isgur Flores, spokeswoman for the Department of Justice, said.

“The president is not required to admit people from countries that sponsor or shelter terrorism, until he determines that they can be properly vetted and do not pose a security risk to the United States.”

The American Civil Liberties Union, one of the legal groups challenging the ban, tweeted in response: “We’ve beat this hateful ban and are ready to do it again.”

The National Immigration Law Center also said it was “ready to keep fighting” the “unconstitutional ban”.

Many others took to Twitter to express similar views:

At least five votes are needed on the nine-justice court in order to grant a stay. The court has a five-four conservative majority, with Justice Anthony Kennedy – a conservative who sometimes sides with the court’s four liberals – the frequent swing vote.

Another of the court’s conservatives, Neil Gorsuch, was appointed by Trump this year.

If the government’s request is granted, the ban would go into effect, but Peter Matthews, professor of political science at Cypress College, predicted that the Supreme Court would not allow Trump’s “discriminatory” to be reinstated.

“The Supreme Court ruling will be the final say on this idea of equal protection under the law and non-discrimination based on religion,” he told Al Jazeera from Los Angeles.

“It’s a very important basic principle of America, and I think even the conservatives justices, at least one or two of them … will side with the argument that liberty is so important that you cannot ban a group of people just because of their faith in a blanket way – it’s absolutely unconstitutional, in my view.”

Trump issued a first travel ban order on January 27, just a week after taking office. It led to chaos and protests at airports before it was blocked by courts.

The second order was intended to overcome the legal issues posed by the original ban, but it was blocked by judges before it could go into effect on March 16.

During the campaign, Trump called for a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.”

His administration has argued that the travel ban is needed to prevent “terrorism” in the US, but the ACLU and several other groups, as well as law experts, scholars and activists say that Trump’s statements on the campaign trail and statements from his advisers since he took office make clear that the intent of the policy is to ban Muslims.

“During his campaign, Trump promised a ban on Muslims entering the country. This is discrimination on the basis of religion, which is unconstitutional,” Danielle McLaughlin, a constitutional law scholar, told Al Jazeera in March.

‘A global disaster’: Trump slammed over Paris pact exit

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[Reuters]

[Reuters]

Leaders, scientists and tech giants condemn Trump’s decision to pull the US out of the landmark Paris climate accord.

by Al Jazeera

President Donald Trump’s decision to pull the United States out of the landmark Paris climate change agreement has drawn strong criticism both at home and abroad, with world and local leaders pledging their support for the accord regardless of Washington’s withdrawal.

Trump announced on Thursday that he would abandon the agreement, saying it was his solemn duty to protect “America and its citizens”. He said the US would “withdraw from the Paris climate accord, but begin negotiations to re-enter the Paris accord or a new transaction on terms that are fair to the United States”.

According to the rules of the 2016 Paris deal, stepping out of its provisions will be a lengthy process that could take up to four years.

The US will join only Nicaragua and Syria as the countries to have not signed onto the agreement – Nicaragua declined to sign the deal in the first place, saying it was too weak.

‘No plan B’

Trump’s announcement drew quick criticism from world leaders who called it “disappointing” and “regrettable”.

The leaders of Germany, France and Italy issued a joint statement, saying the “Paris Agreement remains a cornerstone in the cooperation” between the three countries.

They also dismissed Trump’s claim that the agreement could be renegotiated.

“We deem the momentum generated in Paris in December 2015 irreversible and we firmly believe that the Paris Agreement cannot be renegotiated, since it is a vital instrument for our planet, societies and economies,” their statement added.

French President Emmanuel Macron also said in a televised statement that “there is no plan B” on climate because “there is no planet B”.

Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, said it was a “dramatic mistake for President Trump to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement”.

Neighbouring leaders also expressed dismay at the decision.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called it “deeply disappointing”, while Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto reaffirmed his country’s “support and commitment to the Paris agreement”.

Russia said it will stay committed to backing the deal, state news reported.

“We made the decision to join, and I don’t think we will [change] it,” Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich said on Friday.

The Elders, an independent global leaders group chaired by former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, “condemned the US for quitting” the deal.

“The US reneging on its commitment to the Paris Agreement renders it a rogue state on the international stage,” Mary Robinson, Elder and former UN special envoy on climate change, said in a statement.

Sunita Narain, an environmentalist with the India-based Centre for Science and Environment, told Al Jazeera that Trump’s decision was “a disaster for the world”.

“Let’s be very clear, without the US serious about reducing its emissions, there is nothing the world can do to actually keep itself below the two degree safety guardrail”, she said, referring to the level that is considered a crucial tipping point and above which scientists warn their will be grave consequences on food production and major climate events.

In a statement, Japan’s foreign ministry called the decision “regrettable”, adding that “climate change requires a concerted effort by the whole of the international community”.

New Zealand Climate Change Minister Paula Bennet told local media that she “strongly disagreed” with US.

“It’s disappointing that [Trump] has made that call and I personally believe that so much of what he said is wrong”, Bennet said.

NASA astronaut Scott Kelly said withdrawing from the agreement “will be devastating to our planet”.

‘Rejects future’

In a rare statement, released just before Trump’s official announcement, former President Barack Obama said the US had joined “a small handful of nations that reject the future”.

Obama added that he is confident that “states, cities and businesses will stop up and do even more to lead the way”.

Mayors from more than 75 US cities, including Los Angeles, New York City and Chicago, seemed to support Obama’s views by pledging to uphold the goals of the Paris climate agreement despite Trump’s announcement.

In a statement, the “Climate Mayors”, said they “will intensify efforts to meet each of our cities’ current climate goals, push for new action to meet the 1.5 degrees climate target, and work together to create a 21st century clean energy economy”.

They also added that “if the president wants to break the promises made to our allies enshrined in the historic Paris Agreement, we’ll build and strengthen relationships around the world to protect the planet from devastating climate risks”.

Many of the so-called climate mayors, including those from Pittsburg, New York City and Long Beach, tweeted their disappointment:

‘Reckless decision’

Also reacting with deep disappointment to Trump’s announcement, governors from New York, California and Washington announced the formation of a coalition to fight global warming.

“The White House’s reckless decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement has devastating repercussions not only for the United States, but for our planet,” New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.

“This administration is abdicating its leadership and taking a backseat to other countries in the global fight against climate change.”

The three states represent more than 20 percent of the US gross national product and at least 10 percent of greenhouse gas emission in the country, the governors said.

“If the president is going to be AWOL in this profoundly important human endeavor, then California and other states will step up,” California Governor Jerry Brown also added.

The alliance said it will work closely with other states “to help fill the void” left by the federal government.
‘I am resigning’

The president’s announcement also angered many in the tech industry who had previously expressed their strong support for the Paris agreement.

Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, chief executive of Tesla and SpaceX, said he was making good on his promise to resign from his role on White House advisory councils.

In a tweet, Musk wrote: “Am departing presidential councils. Climate Change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world.”

‘Cow vigilantes’ barge into Kerala House in Delhi to protest against beef fests

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kerala-house_Delhi

New Delhi: Members of a “cow vigilante” group allegedly barged into the Kerala House here Thursday to protest against the beef festivals organised recently in the south Indian state. 

‘Beef fests’ were held in various parts of Kerala to protest against the Centre’s decision banning sale and purchase of cattle at animal markets for slaughter, while some Youth Congress activists butchered a calf in full public view in the state where beef is widely consumed.

Police said around 12 to 14 people, claiming they belonged to ‘Bharathiya Gauraksha Kranti’, entered the Kerala House around 8 PM and started distributing cow milk.

Eyewitnesses claimed that the protesters blocked the main entrance of the Kerala House and also threatened the police who asked them if they had any permission to organise the protest.

They reportedly said they “do not need any permission” as they were working according to the “dharma”.

The police, however, maintained that it was a peaceful protest.

Kerala House Resident Commissioner Vishwas Mehta denied knowledge of any such incident. He said no such incident or protest had taken place until 6.30 PM.

Mehta also said he had already informed police authorities concerned about the chances of such protests in front of the House.

(PTI)

Complaint Filed Against Use of National Flag in Procession of Late Parvathamma Rajkumar

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Parvathamma Rajkumar

Bengaluru: A Bengaluru based lawyer has filed a private complaint at the 24th ACMM court in the city registering his objection against covering the dead body of renowned cine producer, wife of late Kannada actor Dr Rajkumar, Parvathamma Rajkumar by Indian national flag prior to her last rites.

Vijayanagar base lawyer Chethan stated in his complaint that, the use of national flag violates Rule 5 under the Rules of National Flag. The lawyer has also submitted his complaint to Bengaluru City Police Commissioner, Chief Secretary of Karnataka state and Home Secretary.

National flag was used during the procession of the dead body held before the funeral ceremony on Wednesday. The complainant has also stated that he doesn’t has any objection against state honor given to Parvathamma during her last rites.

(Agencies)

Guha hits out at Kohli, Dhoni, Dravid, Gavaskar in resignation letter

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ramachandra-guha

New Delhi: Indian cricket’s “superstar culture”, unaddressed conflict of interest issues and BCCI’s “insensitive” handling of coach Anil Kumble — noted historian Ramachandra Guha has opened a pandora’s box in his resignation letter to the Committee of Administrators.

Guha spared no one and questioned skipper Virat Kohli’s role in selection of coach, besides alleging conflict of interest on part of Sunil Gavaskar, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid.

The letter also questioned the move to give former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni a Grade A Central Contract despite not playing all three formats.

In a seven-page letter, Guha has expressed his disgust to Rai for the “extremely insensitive and unprofessional manner” that the speculated Kohli-Kumble fallout was handled by BCCI CEO (Rahul Johri) and the BCCI office-bearers (Amitabh Chaudhary).

He accused the COA of “silence and inaction”, claiming that the panel was “unfortunately being complicit in this regard.”

In his parting shot, he recommended Javagal Srinath’s name as his replacement as a former cricketer in the Committee of Administrators.

While Guha, in his submission to Supreme Court cited personal reasons for quitting COA, his letter asks a lot of uncomfortable questions to the powers that be of Indian cricket.

Guha has directly questioned Kohli’s “veto power” on deciding matters like appointment of a coach and even the commentators’ panel. It also makes it clear that Kumble-Kohli rift is a reality.

He writes: “If indeed the captain and the Head Coach were not getting along, why was not this attended to as soon as the Australia series was over in late March? Why was it left until the last minutes, when a major international tournament was imminent, and when the uncertainty would undermine the morale and ability to focus of the coach, the captain and the team.”

“And surely giving senior players the impression that they may have a veto power over the coach is another example of superstar culture gone berserk? Such a veto power is not permitted to any other top level professional team in any other sport in any other country,” he categorically states.

In a veiled dig at Kohli, Guha writes that today, players are interfering in matters pertaining to appointment of coaches and commentators (Harsha Bhogle was removed for on-air criticism of Virat Kohli), tomorrow it may well be that they would like to have a say on office-bearers.

“Already, in a dismaying departure from international norms, current Indian players enjoy a veto power on who can be the members of the commentary team. If it is to be coaches next, then perhaps the selectors and even office-bearers will follow?”

Guha lambasted the superstar culture prevalent in the Indian cricketing set-up that has allowed Dhoni to retain a ‘Grade A’ contract when he has given up on Test cricket in 2014. “Unfortunately, this superstar syndrome has also distorted the system of Indian team contracts. As you will recall, I had pointed out that awarding M S Dhoni an ‘A’ contract when he had explicitly ruled himself out from all Test matches was indefensible on cricketing grounds, and sends absolutely the wrong message,” he wrote.

He was also severe on the likes of Rahul Dravid for having dual contracts with both the BCCI and IPL franchises. “No person under contract with an India team, or with the NCA, should be allowed to moonlight for an IPL team too,” he writes.

Taking an indirect dig at Dravid (India A coach), and R Sridhar (fielding coach), the former COA member questioned BCCI for allowing them to have IPL contracts with Delhi Daredevils (Dravid) and Kings XI Punjab (Sridhar).

An excerpt of the letter states: “The question of conflict of interest, which had laid unaddressed ever since the Committee began its work, and which I have been repeatedly flagging since I joined.

“For instance, the BCCI has accorded preferential treatment to some national coaches, by giving them ten month contracts for national duty, thus allowing them to work as IPL coaches/mentors for the remaining two months.”

“This was done in an ad-hoc and arbitrary manner; the more famous the former player-turned-coach, the more likely was the BCCI to allow him to draft his own contract that left loopholes that he exploited to dodge the conflict of interest issue,” Guha wrote with fingers clearly pointed at Dravid, someone whose reputation till date has been unquestionable.

Apart from taking on Kohli and Dravid, Guha also had strong reservations about Sunil Gavaksar’s business interests in Professional Management Group (PMG) and his firm managing a current player — Shikhar Dhawan. He, in fact, told Rai how he had apprised them of PMG signing up Dhawan’s endorsements.

“Sunil Gavaskar is head of a company which represents Indian cricketers while commenting on those cricketers as part of the BCCI TV commentary panel. This is a clear conflict of interest. Either he must step down/withdraw himself from PMG completely or stop being a commentator for BCCI.”

After Gavaskar, Guha then trained his gun on another former captain Sourav Ganguly, who is a TV pundit apart from being current president of the Cricket Association of Bengal.

“Conflict of interest is rampant in the State Associations as well. One famous former cricketer is contracted by media houses to comment on active players while serving as President of his State Association (read Ganguly).”

Guha urged Rai and his colleagues to take some “bold decisions” on which the credibility of the committee rests. “COA’s credibility and effectiveness hinges on our being able to take bold and correct decisions on such matters. The ‘superstar’ culture that afflicts the BCCI means that the more famous the player (former or present) the more leeway he is allowed in violating norms and procedures.

“Dhoni was captain of the Indian team while holding a stake in a firm that represented some current India players. (Referring to Rhiti Sports that had Suresh Raina, Karn Sharma, RP Singh in its rolls). This must stop – and only we can stop it,” he writes.

(Agencies)

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