B R Sharan Kumar

  BTC officials charged in unprecedented scandal   By Sharan Kumar   In an unprecedented event in the history of Indian racing, the Chairman of the Bangalore Turf Club, Aravinda Raghavan, its Secretary, M. K. Kiran, and betting ring supervisor, Vijay Narasimha, have been charge-sheeted by the Central Crime Branch (SE) along with 87 others. The charges are under Sections 406, 409, 420, 120B read with 34 of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 78(1)(a), (I), and 78(2) of the Karnataka Police Act 1963.   The charge sheet indicates that accused numbers 1 to 27 are on anticipatory bail, 28 to 84, 86, and 88 are on station bail, while accused numbers 85, and 89 to 91 have not been arrested. Vijay Narasimha is identified as A89, M. K. Kiran as A90, and Aravinda Raghavan as A91.   Following the police charge sheet, the Bangalore Turf Club has revoked the licenses of the involved bookmakers. However, the Club has remained silent on whether the Secretary and Chairman, also named in

  Should the government revive the Racing Board?   By Sharan Kumar   The Karnataka Racing Commission, established by the Ramakrishna Hegde Government in 1986, submitted extensive recommendations to address various malpractices in horse racing in Karnataka. These issues had previously led the government to compel the Bangalore Turf Club to amend its Articles of Association, prohibiting racehorse-owning members from becoming stewards. The commission, chaired by Lt Gen K P Candeth included R V Subramniam, IAS, and R J Kolah, Advocate of the Supreme Court, who proposed the creation of a Racing Board.   In light of the government's suspension of the Bangalore Turf Club's license since April 1, due to various irregularities, it may be prudent to revisit the Racing Commission's recommendations to ensure the smooth conduct of racing, free from vested interests.   The Racing Commission interviewed numerous stakeholders, including racehorse owners, breeders, administr

  Riding the high horse of contempt for court orders   By Sharan Kumar The Bangalore Turf Club is embroiled in a severe crisis, exacerbated by a lack of decisive leadership to address the pressing issues. On one front, the club has failed to adhere to a court ruling of trainer Padmanabhan, whose license withdrawal due to a medication breach has been stayed. Simultaneously, the club has been unable to engage in constructive dialogue with the government to secure the restoration of licenses, which have remained suspended since April 1, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the commencement of the Bangalore Summer Season.   The Bangalore Turf Club is playing a riveting game of "Let's see how many court orders we can ignore!" Hats off to Chairman Aravind Raghavan for his stellar performance as the stubborn protagonist, determined to defy logic and reason at every turn.   Despite the court granting a stay on Padmanabhan's license withdrawal, the turf club seem

 Stubborn stand-off to courtroom drama!   By Sharan Kumar   The Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) has found itself entangled in a web of legal battles that rival the drama on the track. From spats with governmental authorities to internal squabbles with everyone associated with the sport including trainers, jockeys, racehorse owners and journalists, the club's courtroom escapades have become commonplace.   At the heart of this legal circus are the club's top brass, known as the mandarins, who seem to navigate decisions with all the caution of a bull in a China shop. Their penchant for controversy has turned every aspect of racing into a legal battleground, with consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom.   Despite the club's fervent belief in its invincibility, evidenced by its lavish spending on legal defence, the reality paints a different picture. The balance sheet reveals a staggering allocation of funds towards litigation, leaving little for the very spo

  Legal thunderbolt strikes Bangalore Turf Club   By Sharan Kumar In a noteworthy display of judicial intervention, the City Civil Court has twice interceded in matters concerning the suspension of trainer S Padmanabhan by the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC), issuing stays on both occasions. Citing deficiencies in adherence to principles of natural justice and fair play, the court's actions underscore a pronounced concern over the BTC's handling of the situation. Specifically, the court highlighted alleged biases within the BTC's leadership, particularly Chairman Aravind Raghavan, whose purported personal grievances seemed to influence institutional decisions.   This legal rebuke is a poignant reminder of the imperative for accountability within regulatory bodies such as the BTC. The court's rulings cast doubt upon the unilateral authority exercised by stewards, prompting reflections on the balance of power and the extent of regulatory oversight. Moreover, the resou

 Bangalore  Turf club’s troubles mount as confusion reigns   By Sharan Kumar   From the stubborn refusal to play ball with the government to the grand plans of dragging them to court faster than a reluctant kid to the dentist, the Bangalore Turf Club seems to be in utter bewilderment about its next move. Lots of flapping, but not much strategy. Like a flock of birds in a storm, darting aimlessly without a clear direction.   Bless their hearts, the club members have collectively decided to take the matter to court, probably figuring they've got nothing to lose except a few more horse races. But the managing committee? They're sitting there, scratching their heads, trying to calculate the odds of angering the government even more.   Meanwhile, the Chief Minister is standing there like a stern school principal, wagging his finger and insisting the club drop their lawsuit in the Supreme Court fist. He's not budging an inch, which leaves the club feeling like the