IHF,Jothikumaran move HC, seek Rs 25 lakh damages from TV channel

Chennai, May 2 (UNI) The Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and its former Secretary-General K Jothikumaran have filed a civil suit in Madras High Court demanding Rs 25 lakh as damages from Aaj Tak TV channel for broadcasting a sting operation that showed him allegedly collecting a bribe for selecting a senior player in the Indian team.

In his petition filed on April 28 by his counsel N S Sivam, Mr Jothikumaran said the sting operation telecast under the subject 'Sting Operation - Operation CHAK DE' was fabricated and fictitious.

It was aimed at lowering his status and that of the IHF, he said, and claimed damages of Rs 25 lakh.

After taking the petition on record, Mr Justice S Rajeswaran of Madras High Court on April 30 directed the TV Channel to file its counter within eight weeks.

The sting operation was broadcast by private satellite channel Aaj Tak recently showing Mr Jyothikumaran allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs two lakh for selecting a player in the Indian team for the forthcoming Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament.

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