Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) is under scrutiny following revelations that Thiruvananthapuram coach Manu was allowed to continue in his role despite serious molestation complaints. The controversy centres on a complaint received on April 19, which alleged that Manu had engaged in inappropriate behaviour. However, no action was taken, and Manu was permitted to continue coaching.

KCA and the Thiruvananthapuram Cricket Association initially claimed that no prior suspicions or information about Manu existed until a complaint arose during the pink cricket tournament three weeks ago. This assertion has now been proven false with the emergence of documents indicating that the father of a trainee had filed a complaint against Manu on April 19, prior to the tournament. The complaint detailed Manu's misconduct, but it was ignored, and no preliminary inquiry was conducted.

The situation escalated when a new complaint surfaced during the pink cricket tournament, accusing Manu of sexually assaulting a girl under the guise of training. Following the police registering the case, additional complaints from other girls came forward, resulting in six girls lodging complaints against Manu. He has been arrested in connection with six cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and is currently in remand.

Manu has been a cricket coach in Thiruvananthapuram for nearly a decade. One and a half years ago, another molestation complaint was filed against him. Although he was arrested and a charge sheet was submitted, Manu was acquitted after the complainant retracted her statement. Despite this, Manu continued his coaching duties with the Thiruvananthapuram Cricket Association.

Allegations of exploitation in Tenkasi

Manu is also accused of taking girls to Tenkasi for a cricket tournament and exploiting them sexually in a hotel. The complaints highlight inappropriate physical contact during net practice sessions. The accused used to regularly click nude pictures of the girls and save them on his mobile phones, claiming that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) required them for selection purposes. The police have confiscated two mobile phones belonging to Manu which contained these images.