Jemimah Rodrigue's father denies using Khar Gymkhana facilities for 'conversion meetings'

Indian women's cricket team batter Jemimah Rodrigues' father Ivan on Friday refuted allegations that he used her membership at the prestigious Khar Gymkhana here to hold "conversion meetings" at its premises, claiming that he merely conducted prayer gatherings "in complete accordance with procedures". Khar Gymkhana revoked the Jemimah's membership during its Annual General Meeting (AGM), following complaints from several members that Ivan allegedly misused the privileges granted to the star cricketer.

In his response to the accusations, Ivan said he adhered to the strict procedures while availing the facilities and no "conversion meetings" were held at the Gymkhana.

"We had availed of the facilities at the Khar Gymkhana for the purpose of prayer meetings on multiple occasions, over a period of a year since April 2023. However, this was done in complete accordance with the procedures that Khar Gymkhana have in place, and in full knowledge of the office-bearers," Ivan said in a statement.

"The prayer meetings were open to all and were in no way 'conversion meetings' as is wrongly labelled in articles in the media," he said in a social media post.

He also said that "when we were told to stop conducting the prayer meetings, we respected the stance of the Gymkhana and did so with immediate effect." "When informed about the difference in rates for members and guests, we readily cleared the arrears. We are honest, law-abiding people who are grateful that we can practice our faith without it being a cause of inconvenience to anyone else.