Two athletes from India, Rakesh Babu and Irfan Kolothum Thodi, are reportedly kicked out of Commonwealth Games after being found guilty of breaching the ‘No Needle Policy.’ The athletes, Rakesh Babu a triple jumper and Irfan a race walker, were sent packing on the next flight available after authorities found needles in their room. Apart from the disgraced twosome, the Chef de Mission of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, Vikram Singh Sisodia; General Team Manager, Namdev Shirgaonkar; Athletics Team Manager, Ravinder Chaudhry were found to breach the policy, according to a statement released by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President Louise Martin.

A fortnight ago, the Syringegate controversy caused a big furore when an empty syringe was discovered outside an Indian athlete’s room. The Indian contingent who left for the Gold Coast were subjected to extreme scrutiny, leading to allegations that they were being picked on and harassed by the ASADA officials. Back then, the athlete who was at the centre of the controversy also explained that the syringe was meant for vitamin shots.

While Irfan had already completed his 20km race walk event and came in 13th, Babu was yet to participate in the triple jump final held to be held on Friday the 13th. Both the athletes have denied the allegations, saying that they were unaware of the needles. The CGF authorities have however quashed their claims, saying that their testimonies are unreliable and evasive.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 13, 2018 11:46 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).