Jemimah Rodrigues' membership revoked at Mumbai's Khar Gymkhana over 'religion conversion' allegations

India women cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues (ICC Photo)

In what comes as a shocking development, Mumbai's Khar Gymkhana, one of the oldest club in the metropolitan, has cancelled the membership of India women cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues. The action was taken after members of the club objected Jemimah's father Ivan using the premise for "religious activities". The development was reported by The Indian Express, which mentioned that members also alleging that the events were organised to "convert" the "vulnerable".

The decision to cancel Jemimah's membership was taken at Sunday’s annual general body meeting in Mumbai. The cricketer and her father is yet to respond on the development.

Vivek Devnani, Khar Gymkhana president, confirmed the development and was quoted by the National Daily as saying: “The honorary three-year membership given to Ms Jemimah Rodrigues was revoked pursuant to a resolution passed by the members who attended the general meeting held on October 20, 2024.”

Also Read: Why Indian women failed to reach the T20 World Cup semi-finals

Meanwhile, the report also quoted Shiv Malhotra, Khar Gymkhana managing committee member, who said that Ivan was associated with an organisation named "Brother Manuel Ministries" and held 35 events at the presidential hall.

“We came to know that Jemimah Rodrigues’s father was attached to an organisation called Brother Manuel Ministries. They booked the presidential hall for almost a year and a half and held 35 events. We all know what was happening there.

“We hear about conversions all over the country, but it’s happening right under our nose. There was dancing, expensive music equipment, big screens. As per Khar Gymkhana’s bye-laws Rule 4A of the constitution, Khar Gymkhana does not permit any religious activity,” said Malhotra.

Nitin Gadekar, former president of Khar Gymkhana, said he was informed about the religious events inside the premise by a staff member. Describing the activities in the events, Gadekar expressed shock and questioned how was it allowed inside the premise.

“Me, Malhotra and a few other members went to see it. We saw the room was dark, trance music was playing and a lady was saying ‘He is coming to save us’. I was surprised how Gymkhana can allow this in the first place. We protested and it was decided to cancel her membership,” Gadekar said.

In another report by the Times of India, Devnani dismissed the allegations. “Khar Gymkhana is scheduled to have its managing committee and trustee elections later this month. These allegations are being made with political motives. No evidence has been offered for any alleged wrongdoing," he was quoted as saying in the report.

Khar Gymkhana had invited Jemimah to be a member and use its facilities in 2023.