KOCHI: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has suspended PT Paulose, an Asian Games bronze medallist and India’s first Olympic rower, who served as the High Performance Director at the National Centre of Excellence in Alappuzha, and transferred him to its Imphal centre following allegations of sexual harassment made by a female assistant rowing coach.“Paulose, 49, has been suspended after a female assistant rowing coach filed a complaint in Jan this year,” a SAI source told TOI.“On receiving the complaint, SAI initiated a departmental inquiry against Paulose, which is currently under process,” the source added.“He was transferred to SAI’s Imphal centre earlier this month to ensure he cannot intimidate the victim or influence the probe in any manner,” the source said, adding, “Due action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.”The details of the allegations have not been disclosed. TOI tried to contact Paulose, but he was unavailable for comment.Even as concerns grow over athlete welfare across SAI centres, this episode has brought back memories of a 2015 incident at SAI’s Alappuzha centre, where four female rowers attempted suicide by consuming a toxic fruit called Othalanga (cerbera odollam) following alleged physical and mental harassment by senior athletes. In that case, a 15-year-old died, while the others survived. These athletes were reportedly being forced to perform chores for their seniors, with harassment increasing every time they resisted.In a separate incident in Jan, two female students, aged 18 and 15, were found dead by hanging inside a SAI hostel in Kollam. Police said preliminary findings point to suspected suicide. Notes seeking forgiveness from their parents were recovered, though further details have not been made public.Based on information presented in Parliament, 33 sexual harassment complaints in SAI were reported in the last 10 years, of which 25 were lodged against coaches and 8 against administrative staff.KERALA CASES
- 2015 (Alappuzha) : Four female rowers consumed toxic fruit after alleged abuse by seniors; a 15-yearold died, others survived amid reports of forced chores and harassment.
- Jan 2026 (Kollam): Two hostel students, aged 18 and 15, found dead in suspected suicide; notes to parents recovered, investigation ongoing.
