PATNA: From overcoming a tumour that left him paraplegic to becoming a world No. 1 para-swimmer, Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh of Bihar’s Madhubani district had built a sporting career against considerable odds.But an alleged incident of sexual harassment at a hotel in Japan, just days before his scheduled event at the Asian Para Games, has put his career under a cloud, with a possible lifetime ban looming.The 40-year-old, who hails from Rathaus village in Madhubani, was accused of molesting a female hotel employee while she was performing housekeeping duties in his room on Monday.Japanese police detained him and released him after he submitted a written apology. He was subsequently sent back to India on Tuesday.Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA) CEO Raveendran Sankaran said on Thursday that disciplinary action would also be initiated against Shams in Bihar, pending a decision by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI). The chef-de-mission’s office has recommended a lifetime ban, but a final decision will be taken after the Indian contingent returns from Japan.“He is posted in the finance department and deputed at BSSA.” Sankaran said.
