Star athletes demand non-interference of politicians in sports, Kalmadi's ouster

February 21, 2011

Mangalore, February 21: Three renowned athletes of Karnataka, who have represented India in the international arena in the field of sports on Monday demanded a powerful 'sport law' to give a new life to sports in the country.

Addressing media persons here on Monday, athletes Reeth Abraham, Vandana Rao, and former Olympic sprinter Vandana Shanbhag expressed their frustration over the interference of political conspirators in the field of sports.

They pointed out that outside interference is one of the main reasons for India lagging behind in the field of sports.

Cleans Sports India!

Introducing 'Clean Sports India', a movement launched by former national and international sportspersons of India on June 23, 2010, in a bid to bring freedom to the field of sports from the clutches of political conspirators, the trio laid emphasis on the need of a collective struggle of athletes and sportspersons to stop the outside interference.

Explaining the objectives of CSI, Reeth Abraham, who is also its Joint Convenor, said: “We want to create an environment wherein Olympic Sports Federations, Associations and Clubs in India are managed essentially by former sportspersons and where Olympic Sports in India are practiced and competed without any influence of drugs.”

She informed that CSI has initiated activities such as awareness runs, discussions, seminars to educate people and to create public opinion against mismanagement of sports by non-sport persons.

She also urged former sportsmen, sports lovers and responsible citizens to participate in the movement and make it success by becoming registered members of CSI to challenge the existing order.

Kalmadi must quit

Lashing out at Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi for his “adamant and shameful behaviour” Vandana Rao, who is the treasurer of CSI, said that he seems to be taking no moral responsibility and continues to rule Indian sports.

Demanding Kalmadi's ouster, she said that Indian sports cannot improve unless Kalmadi quits the prestigious post.

She said that CSI strongly condemns the statement made recently by Kalmadi that sports in India can only be managed by politicians. “It is time for a civil movement to emerge strongly against these corrupt unaccountable officials who have used sports as a vehicle to gain political power”, she added.

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The £25,000 Trap: Mangaluru Man Duped of ₹13.4 Lakh in 'London Friend' Facebook Scam

News Network

November 26,2025

Mangaluru, Nov 26: Mangaluru East police have registered a case following a sophisticated online fraud where a 57-year-old local resident was allegedly cheated out of ₹13.4 lakh after being targeted on Facebook.

The scam began in February when the complainant, while browsing Facebook reels, was contacted by a woman identifying herself as "Lillian Mary George" from London. After establishing a chat relationship, the woman claimed she would visit India in November and bring a significant sum of money.

The trap was sprung on November 15, when the victim received a call from a woman named "Sonali Gupta," who claimed Lillian had arrived at Mumbai International Airport but was detained by customs. The fraudsters convinced the man that Lillian was carrying £25,000 (about ₹26 lakh) in traveller’s cheques and 1 kg of gold (valued at around ₹30 lakh).

Under the pretense of clearing these items, the victim was asked to make numerous online transfers between November 15 and 18 for various bogus charges, including:

•   "Pounds exchange registration"
•   "Customs declaration issues"
•   "Discount charges"
•   "Money-laundering charges"

Believing the fictitious story, the complainant transferred the cumulative sum of ₹13.4 lakh to various bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. He realised he was cheated when the culprits later promised a refund within two days but stopped answering his calls. The Mangaluru East police are now investigating the case, which highlights the continuing threat of transnational cyber fraud using social engineering and promises of fictitious wealth.

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