Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey Files Police Complaint Against Officials Amid Deepening Internal Conflict
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey has filed a police complaint with Delhi Police against officials, including former DG Cdr RK Srivastava, alleging criminal breach of trust, theft, endangerment of life, and wrongful abandonment.
The internal turmoil plaguing Hockey India has reached a critical juncture with federation president and former India captain Dilip Tirkey officially filing a police complaint against key officials. The complaint, lodged with Delhi Police on Thursday, September 25, 2026, accuses Cdr RK Srivastava, former Hockey India Director General, Finance Manager Subodh Kumar, Director Bhushan Kumar, and vehicle driver Harminder Singh of serious offenses including "criminal breach of trust, theft, endangerment of life and wrongful abandonment." Asian Games 2026: Deepika Scores 9 Goals As Indian Women’s Hockey Team Demolishes Thailand 20–1.
Tirkey's drastic step follows an incident on September 22, 2026, when an official vehicle provided for his use during a visit to New Delhi was allegedly recalled without his personal belongings, including essential medicines, being returned. The complaint seeks the immediate recovery of these assets and documents. While the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), South Delhi, has confirmed receipt of the complaint, an FIR (First Information Report) has not yet been registered.
Escalating Power Struggle
This latest development adds another contentious layer to an already simmering dispute within Hockey India, primarily between President Tirkey and Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh. The rift became public earlier in September over administrative decisions and meeting protocols. Tirkey had previously challenged the validity of an emergent Executive Board meeting called by Bhola Nath Singh for September 18, 2026, asserting that only the President holds the prerogative to convene such emergency sessions.
Further evidence of the deep-seated divisions emerged when Tirkey had earlier stripped Cdr RK Srivastava of his powers as Director General following a controversy surrounding the Indian team's jersey color change before the recent FIH World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. Tirkey had also issued a show-cause notice to Srivastava, detailing eight charges against him. Savita Punia Becomes Most-Capped Indian Woman Hockey Player, INR 10 Lakh Reward Announced.
Key Figures in the Dispute
Here's a breakdown of the individuals named in the complaint and involved in the broader infighting:
- Dilip Tirkey: President, Hockey India; Former India Captain
- Bhola Nath Singh: Secretary General, Hockey India
- Cdr RK Srivastava: Former Director General, Hockey India (powers stripped by Tirkey)
- Subodh Kumar: Finance Manager, Hockey India
- Bhushan Kumar: Director, Hockey India
- Harminder Singh: Vehicle Driver
Timeline of Recent Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 6, 2026 | Hockey Odisha office-bearers raise allegations of undue interference by Dilip Tirkey in state hockey administration. |
| September 15, 2026 | An emergency Executive Board meeting is called by Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh for September 18, 2026, a move contested by President Tirkey as against by-laws. The meeting was also to discuss the show-cause notice against Cdr RK Srivastava. |
| September 22, 2026 | Dilip Tirkey on an official visit to New Delhi; official vehicle recalled, allegedly without his personal belongings including medicines. |
| September 25, 2026 | Dilip Tirkey files a police complaint with Delhi Police against Cdr RK Srivastava, Subodh Kumar, Bhushan Kumar, and Harminder Singh for "criminal breach of trust, theft, endangerment of life and wrongful abandonment." Complaint confirmed received, but no FIR registered. |
This deepening rift within Hockey India raises significant concerns about the stability of the sport's administration and its potential impact on future events, especially in the lead-up to key international competitions. The hockey fraternity awaits further developments from the police investigation and the ongoing administrative power struggle.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 25, 2026 03:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
