BFI suspends secretary general Pramod Kumar over alleged financial irregularities

The internal crisis within the Boxing Federation of India deepened sharply as President Ajay Singh suspended Secretary General Pramod Kumar with immediate effect, according to reports from agencies. The interim suspension was enacted pending a formal inquiry into multiple allegations, which include financial irregularities, refusal to cooperate with ongoing probes, and administrative misuse of authority.

According to the suspension order issued on Tuesday, the disciplinary measure serves as an interim protective step under the BFI Constitution. The order explicitly states that the action does not constitute a final determination of guilt, and the allegations will undergo examination according to applicable procedures.

Financial Discrepancies and Broadcasting Disputes

At the center of the financial allegations is a dispute concerning broadcasting arrangements and sponsorship commitments. The BFI administration received notices from Pinnacle Broadcast Productions seeking payment for broadcasting services tied to a major tournament held in Greater Noida. The federation's order highlights conflicting accounts regarding financial commitments for the event.

Entity	Reported Claim / Stance	Details
Pinnacle Broadcast Productions	Seeking payment	Issued notices to BFI claiming approximately Rs. 1.5 crore for broadcasting the World Boxing Final's Cup held in Greater Noida in November 2025.
Pramod Kumar (Suspended SG)	Earlier correspondence	Forwarded a letter to the president asserting that Pinnacle had committed and assured Rs. 2 crore toward sponsorship and broadcasting.
Pinnacle Broadcast Productions	Categorical denial	Denied making any such commitment, raising questions regarding the authenticity of the letter presented by Kumar.

Further compounding the financial scrutiny, the BFI order alleges that a work order bearing Kumar's signature was issued for a broadcasting arrangement without securing the mandatory approval of the federation's finance committee.

Inquiries and Administrative Clashes

Beyond financial matters, the BFI leadership cited Kumar's lack of cooperation regarding an administrative inquiry. An inquiry committee had been established to investigate the last-minute cancellation of the BFI Elite Men and Women Open Boxing Championship, which was slated to take place in Nahan, Himachal Pradesh. The tournament had been scheduled for August 16 to August 23. The BFI stated that Kumar repeatedly sought extensions and failed to respond to specific questions raised by the duly constituted inquiry committee after it was formed on August 17.

Tensions also boiled over regarding internal governance. Last week, Kumar attempted to assert control by calling a Special General Meeting for October 28. Claiming the backing of a majority of affiliated state units, he sought to move a no-confidence motion against President Ajay Singh. The suspension order condemned these actions, asserting that Kumar lacked the authority under the BFI Constitution to issue cease-and-desist notices against senior federation officials, issue show-cause notices, or unilaterally convene a special general meeting.

Furthermore, the federation accused Kumar of issuing communications that instigated BFI officials and staff to disregard the president's authority while positioning himself at the helm of the administration.

Allegations of Criminal Intimidation and Political Letters

The administrative showdown escalated dramatically prior to the suspension. Kumar addressed a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing President Ajay Singh and BFI Executive Director Col. Arun Malik of "criminal intimidation." According to Kumar's correspondence, the alleged intimidation was deployed to thwart the proposed no-confidence motion against Singh.

Col. Arun Malik dismissed the accusation as completely baseless. Following the suspension, Kumar is strictly prohibited from exercising his functions as secretary general, issuing communications on behalf of the federation, or accessing official records relevant to the ongoing inquiry.

The BFI has warned that any violation of the interim suspension order, any obstruction of the inquiry, or any further misuse of BFI authority will invite additional disciplinary measures in strict accordance with the BFI Constitution and applicable regulations.