Kerala Cricket Association vows to take strict action against sexual abuse of minor girls

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) recently faced considerable flak after allegedly ignoring complaints of sexual assault and bullying against a girls' cricket coach, Manu M, since 2018. He was arrested by the Thiruvananthapuram police. The shocking news had made it to the Kerala Legislative Assembly.

Recent revelations brought to light a series of POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) cases filed against the coach. After all the scrutiny, KCA has finally expressed its stand on the case via a statement from President Jayesh George. He admitted that cricket-governing body made its mistakes while dealing with the issue but assured that it will stand in support of the victims. George also revealed that Manu's coaching certification is set to be cancelled. KCA has also directed cricket associations across India against giving him coaching opportunities.

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“The Association would stand strongly with the victims and would not protest Manu. KCA made mistakes while handling the issue. We admit that. We are not justifying Manu’s actions. We have decided to cancel his coaching certification. He was not only a coach of girls. From now on, KCA will make a police clearance certificate mandatory for new coaches.” George was quoted as saying by Female Cricket about the necessary actions that are taken in the wake of the incident.

George also clamied that the association did not at any time shield the coach and the complaint only arised in June. The KCA has planned to organise a counseling session for the girls training under M Manu with the backing of the Child Rights Commission. A Grievance Redressal Cell for Women is also set to be established. KCA also has plans to make it mandatory for one of the parents of the trainees to be present during the training sessions.

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For the unversed, Manu had been working at the district cricket academy in Thiruvananthapuram. After his arrest, five more girls came forward to make similar allegations against the coach.