BFI president Ajay Singh and Pramod Kumar
The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has suspended its secretary general Pramod Kumar with immediate effect over alleged financial irregularities, failure to cooperate with investigations and misuse of authority. BFI president Ajay Singh issued the suspension order on Tuesday, pending an inquiry into the allegations against Kumar.
These include issuing a work order for broadcasting arrangements without the required approval.Kumar has also been accused of not cooperating with an inquiry into the cancellation of a national championship and trying to call an unauthorised meeting to move a no-confidence motion against Singh.
"You are hereby placed under interim suspension from the office of Secretary General with immediate effect, pending completion of the inquiry or until the order is modified or revoked by the competent authority, subject to the applicable provisions of the BFI Constitution," read the order, in possession of PTI.The order clarified that the suspension was temporary and "shall not be construed as a final determination of the allegations".
Suspension follows Kumar's letter to PM Modi
The action came a day after Kumar wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing Singh and BFI Executive Director Col. Arun Malik of "criminal intimidation" to stop the proposed no-confidence motion. Malik dismissed the allegation as "baseless".One of the main issues raised in the suspension order concerns a claim by Pinnacle Broadcast Productions for around Rs 1.5 crore for broadcasting services at the World Boxing Finals Cup in Greater Noida in November 2025.
In an earlier letter to the BFI president, Kumar had said Pinnacle had committed Rs 2 crore towards sponsorship and broadcasting for the event. However, the company has denied making such a commitment."The Federation has recently received notices from Pinnacle Broadcast Productions making a claim for Rs. 1.5 crore (approx.) for broadcasting undertaken in the World Boxing Final's Cup, Greater Noida, November 2025."Whereas, the understanding as per the letter forwarded by you to the President was that Pinnacle had committed and assured Rs. 2 crore for the sponsorship and broadcasting of the event.""Pinnacle has now categorically denied making any such commitment, which raises serious doubt as to the authenticity of the letter that you personally represented Pinnacle had issued."The order also alleged that Kumar had signed a work order without getting approval from the federation's finance committee.
Inquiry into cancellation of national championship
Singh also referred to an inquiry into the last-minute cancellation of the BFI Elite Men and Women Open Boxing Championship. The event was scheduled to take place in Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, from August 16 to 23.An inquiry committee was formed on August 17 to investigate the cancellation. However, according to the suspension order, Kumar repeatedly sought more time and did not answer the committee's questions."...you have been repeatedly seeking time and have failed to respond to the notice issued to you and the specific questions raised by the duly constituted Inquiry Committee."
Dispute over no-confidence motion
Another reason cited for Kumar's suspension was his alleged attempt to issue notices against senior federation officials and call a meeting to move a no-confidence motion against Singh.Last week, Kumar called for a Special General Meeting (SGM) on October 28. He claimed that he had the support of a majority of affiliated state units to move the motion against the BFI president."It is deeply concerning that, instead of cooperating with the ongoing investigations, you have purported to issue cease-and-desist notices against senior officials of the BFI, show cause notices and a notice purporting to convene a meeting to move a no confidence motion against the President," the order read.The order stated that Kumar did not have the authority under the BFI Constitution to issue such notices without the required approval or call special general meetings on his own.It also accused him of sending communications to federation officials and staff asking them to ignore the president's authority and claiming control of the BFI administration.
"You have also issued communications to the officials and staff of BFI instigating them to disregard the authority of the President of the BFI and claiming to be at the helm of the administration of the BFI."
Kumar barred from performing secretary general's duties
Under the suspension order, Kumar has been directed not to perform his duties as secretary general, send communications on behalf of the federation or access official records related to the inquiry.The order also warned of further disciplinary action if he attempts to violate the suspension, obstruct the investigation, misuse the federation's authority or interfere with the proceedings."Any attempt to violate the instant order of suspension, obstruct the inquiry, misuse the authority of BFI or interfere with its proceedings shall be viewed seriously and may invite further disciplinary action in accordance with the BFI Constitution and applicable rules and regulations."