Woman athlete accused of rape; victim claims she is a man

Kolkata, Jun 15: In an extreme case of false identity, gold medalist for India in the Doha Asian Games, Pinki Pramanik has been accused of rape by her live-in partner who alleged that Pinki was actually a man and had raped and threatened her. A complaint was filed with the Baguihati police by the divorcee, who has been living with Pinki since the last couple of months.

A senior officer at the Baguihati police station has been quoted as saying, "After we received the complaint, we first proposed Pramanik go to a government hospital, and when she refused, we took her to a private nursing home for a medical check-up where test reports confirmed that the athlete was a male."

Pinki is also a silver medalist in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games and is an emerging sportswoman in the international arena. This allegation is sure to dent her image and reputation.

Subrata Mukherjee of Uma Nursing Home where the initial sex determination tests were held said, "Tests have confirmed that Pramanik is a male." Pinki will further undergo tests at the Barasat sub-divisional hospital.

Subrata Bandyopadhyay, Deputy Commissioner, Bidhannagar Commissionerate (North 24 Parganas) has been quoted as saying, "We approached the court on Thursday seeking permission for medical test to determine the gender of the athlete and the same has been granted."

Pinki was earlier caught in the wrong side of law when she was arrested on Nov 22, 2004 under the Arms Act from Habibpur Nathpara village in Nadia district for carrying a gun in her bag.

West Bengal Athletics Association secretary Kamal Moitra stated in lieu of the recent developments, "Pinki Pramanik has participated in major international events where medical tests are mandatory. Gender verification test is a complex process, but how can people go wrong everywhere?" A senior Bengal Athletics Association official commented, "After the Asian Games it was found that Pramanik had male hormones higher than normal. But, according to the amended rules, a female athlete would not be debarred from competing under such circumstances. Moreover, she never competed in any international level after Doha."

Pinki has slammed all allegations stating that it was a clear case of conspiracy. She works as a ticket collector with Eastern Railways now. An official of the Athletics Federation of India has stated that Pinki Pramanik could be stripped off all her medals if it is proved that she is a male.

OneIndia News