Paralympic swimmer Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh was sent back to India from the ongoing Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan after being accused of sexually assaulting an employee at the hotel where the swimming contingent was staying, the Hindustan Times reported on Thursday.
The Paralympic Committee of India said that its Chef de Mission has recommended a lifetime ban against the 40-year-old athlete.
Shaikh was also arrested by Japanese police in connection with the incident, the Hindustan Times reported.
The alleged incident took place on Monday at the Four Points by Sheraton hotel while the employee was reportedly carrying out housekeeping duties in Shaikh’s room, Moneycontrol quoted an unidentified committee official as saying.
The local organising committee informed the Indian delegation about the complaint, following which representatives visited the hotel and spoke with the police and hotel management. Shaikh was subsequently taken to a local police station.
The delegation submitted a written apology to the employee, and Sheikh was sent back to India on the first available flight on Tuesday.
“The Paralympic Committee of India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of sexual misconduct or behaviour that violates the dignity, safety and rights of others,” the Hindustan Times quoted the body as saying. “The committee has established strict disciplinary guidelines and expects every member of the Indian contingent to uphold the highest standards...