Struck with suspension, Soumyajit Ghosh marries the girl who accused him of rape

When Soumyajit Ghosh was snubbed ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games, everyone thought his near perfect Table Tennis career was as good as done. But who would have thought the former National champion would tie the knot with the same girl who accused him of committing rape on her. Strange isn’t it? Not only that, but the girl had also expressed that there was a “misunderstanding” unlike four months ago when the same person was shooting the accused of numerous allegations. Just a few days before the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games got under, the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) handed over the paddler a “provisional suspension” which meant that he was not eligible to participate in any National or International tournament until the court declares otherwise.

"The Executive Board (EB) of the Table Tennis Federation of India has placed Soumyajit Ghosh under provisional suspension, pending the outcome of the police investigation and court verdict, if any, on the alleged rape charges against him by a teenager," sated TTFI back then. As per reports, the incident dates back to 2014, when the girl was a minor and Soumyajit had promised to marry her after she turns 18. Denying all allegations, Ghosh informed that the girl’s statement was false and she was blackmailing for quite some time. "Whatever she is saying is false as I haven't done anything wrong. We were together, but then I wanted to focus on my career, so I told her 'it is tough to be with you'. After I broke things off with her, she started blackmailing me, my family and my friend circle. From the last one and a half year, she has been trying to threaten and coerce us," said Ghosh. After missing several International tournaments, excluded from the upcoming Asian Games, Soumyajit has even held his racquet for months; he married the same Tulika Dutta for which his career went to an abrupt halt.

After their marriage reception, the bride expressed her concern for the better half and promised that the “matter would be resolved”, and the “differences between them have been sorted out.” How can four months change the total complexion of the case? There are two sides to the story! First were the allegations made by the girl, which were severe indeed. Even if Tulika was manipulating the facts and they had been physical, it was still irresponsible for Soumyajit’ to indulge in sex with a minor. He got his dues paid for the unfortunate turn of events, was banished from the Table Tennis circuit. But Tulika’s recent verdict raised a few eyebrows!

“I have no idea about the legal formalities, but I will speak to the lawyer and ensure that my husband’s future is not jeopardised. It’s a fresh beginning for both of us, and we will do our best to overcome the misunderstandings and live happily,” said Tulika after their marriage. If everything was a misunderstanding why on earth would the girl press charges just before a significant event? Gaining attention may have been a reason, but that’s equally punishable, all the more when the career of an Olympian is on the line. Not sure if he ever gets back his excellent touch, it will be a tough journey for Ghosh following this, needless to say, with an added responsibility. Soumyajit Ghosh is an asset for Indian Table Tennis; he was at his prime when his career was derailed. Not only did it affect the player, but was also a huge setback for the Indian team which tours around the globe. The federation should be more careful in handling these matters; it should take into account all possible considerations before making a decision!

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Also read: Soumyajit Ghosh: A premature end to a promising career