Unhappy with the Sports Authority of India's flip-flop over the dope testing episode involving weightlifter Monika Devi, Sports Minister M S Gill on Wednesday appointed former Chief Election Commissioner T S Krishnamurthy to inquire into all aspects of the matter.
Krishnamurthy has been asked to submit his report within a week, sources in the Sports Ministry said.
Gill, who returned from Beijing early Wednesday morning, discussed all aspects of "this unfortunate incident" with his ministry officials, had a meeting with Monika and spoke to Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh over phone after which he ordered the inquiry "to know the precise truth".
The meeting between Gill and Monika lasted 45 minutes.
Monika was prevented from going to Beijing on August 6 at the eleventh hour after she allegedly tested positive for an unspecified banned substance.
However, three days later she was cleared by the SAI of any wrongdoing but the relief came too late for her to participate in the Olympics.
"On return from Beijing this morning, I have been briefed on matters related to Monika Devi, one of our weightlifters. Questions arose about her dope testing and the timing and release of the reports, which led to her not being sent to Beijing Olympics," Gill said.
The minister said although weeding out dope offenders is one of his priorities, equally important for him is his duty to ensure that no innocent athlete suffers due to official "laxity".
