Dr. Deepa V, a Bangalore-based para swimmer, was denied a membership at the Cult.fit Swimming Academy due to her disability, Bangalore Mirror reports.
It has been three months since the 12-time National medalist filed a complaint over their discriminatory practice.
The Thalaghattapura Police registered the FIR under Section 92(A) of the Right of Persons with Disability Act, 2016, against Cult.fit Swimming Academy and its manager.
“The police inspector has not taken action against the accused persons. Despite my repeated requests to seize the CCTV footage (which clearly shows my ability to swim on October 7 and my denial on October 8 in front of witnesses), the police failed to collect it on time,” she told the Bangalore Mirror.
In her complaint, the National para-swimmer said she successfully underwent a trial at the premier swimming facility in Bangalore on October 7, 2024. On October 8, 2024, I returned to enrol as a paying member. Despite my national-level achievements and explaining that I needed to train for upcoming national events, Mr Hashim, the manager, has denied my entry, stating that people with disabilities were not allowed in their swimming pool,” she said.
“This violates the rights of persons with disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, which mandates accessibility and prohibits discrimination,’’ she added.
A complaint was also filed with the State Commissioner for Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act on October 9, 2024.
She was supposed to enroll at the academy to prepare for a National competition in Goa, slated to run from October 19. “I attended a free trial session on October 7, during which the coach, Karthik, was highly encouraging and several co-swimmers witnessed my swimming. However, when I returned to enrol, the manager informed me that the company policy does not permit people with disabilities to use the pool,” she added.
The Thalaghattapura Police Inspector said that the investigation is in progress. “We want to give priority to the safety of swimmers. Access to the swimming pool was denied as we did not have manpower and trained coaches for training para-swimmers,’’ Hashim said.
“We want to give priority to the safety of swimmers. Access to the swimming pool was denied as we did not have manpower and trained coaches for training para-swimmers ,” she added.
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