Ivan Rodrigues, father of the Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodriguesissued a clarification on allegations of inappropriate activities related to prayer meetings at Khar Gymkhana. He stated that everything that happened was fully known to the officials.

Jemimah Rodrigues’ father, Ivan Rodrigues, recently made headlines and faced a lot of criticism. He was recently accused of conducting unauthorized religious activities on club premises. Several club members expressed objections to Ivan Rodrigues’ actions and called for action to be taken.

Jemimah Rodrigues’s father. Ivan Rodrigues violated club rules, prohibiting religious practices – Reports

According to those responsible for the Gymkhana, Iván Rodrigues violated the club’s rules, prohibiting religious practices. An official revealed that Ivan, who is also a cricket coach, had used the club’s presidential hall to host 35 events over the past year and a half.

Former Gymkhana president Nitin Gadekar also came out against Ivan Rodrigues, stating that the other members had personally witnessed Jemimah Rodrigues’ father perform one of these events. At this event Jemimah Rodrigues’ three-year honorary membership in the club was cancelled.

We had used the Khar Gymkhana facilities for prayer meetings on multiple occasions – Ivan Rodrigues, father of Jemimah Rodrigues

In the midst of all the commotion and reports, Iván Rodrigues has provided clarification. He said they had used the Khar Gymkhana facilities to hold prayer meetings on multiple occasions. But he mentioned that everything was known to the officials and that the prayer meetings were open to everyone. He said:

“In light of the recent erroneous reports circulating in the media, we would like to put some facts on record. We had used the Khar Gymkhana premises to hold prayer meetings on multiple occasions, over a period of one year since April 2023. However, this was done in full compliance with the procedures that Khar Gymkhana has in place and with the full knowledge of officials.

“The prayer meetings were open to all and were in no way ‘conversion meetings’ as wrongly labeled in media articles. When we were told to stop holding the prayer meetings, we respected the Gymkhana’s stance and we did it with immediate effect.”

Being then the subject of false claims and misinformation is discouraging – Ivan Rodrigues

Ivan Rodrigues further stated that they even settled the arrears owed to them. He stressed that they are honest and law-abiding people, and seeing false claims and misinformation against them is discouraging. He added:

When we were informed of the difference in rates for members and guests, we quickly cleared the arrears. We are honest, law-abiding people and grateful to be able to practice our faith without it being a cause of inconvenience to anyone else.

“Being the target of false claims and misinformation is disheartening. We only wish and continue to wish the best for everyone.”