Pending gender test, Pinki sent to judicial custody

Pinki Pramanik, the Asian Games gold winning quartermiler medallist accused of rape, was remanded to 14 days' judicial custody after the police sought permission to conduct a gender verification test on her at a government hospital.

"The permission was granted and we are going through the necessary process at the moment. Pramanik had earlier refused to undergo the test but now that we have a court order, the athlete can't say no," commissioner of police, Bidhannagar (North 24-Parganas) Rajiv Kumar told The Indian Express. Pramanik, however, will be kept in a separate cell as her gender is disputed.

Pramanik was arrested after the athlete's live-in partner lodged a complaint at the Baguihati police station, accusing Pramanik to be a man who has been repeatedly raping and torturing her. The athlete was then taken to a private nursing home where tests claimed that Pramanik was indeed a male.

Pramanik, however, continues to insist it was a "case of conspiracy". "Anamika asked for monetary help but I refused. That's why she has done this," she said. Pramanik's father Durgacharan accused the woman of blackmail.

"The husband of the woman who has made the allegation borrowed money from my daughter and refused to pay back. They have also hatched a conspiracy to malign my daughter," he said.

Pramanik's mother Pushpa was surprised at the allegations. "I am her mother. No one knows the facts better than me. There can be no doubt about Pinki's womanhood."

West Bengal Athletic Association vice-president Debashis Banerjee said they will consider legal help for the accused if asked. "Pramanik's club, Eastern Railway Sports Association, or the athlete's parents has made no approach, asking for our help. We can't do anything ourselves. We will consider legal assistance if the approach is made."

About Pramanik's international medals, Banerjee said Pramanik can hold on to them unless a complaint is made to the world body.

ALSO READ

Parthiv Patel played a very mature innings, says Tom Moody

Barcelona win Spanish title for 22nd time

Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals to fight for the top-spot

Royal Challengers Bangalore face inconsistent KKR in Ranchi