Calcutta: The Bengal Chess Association has formed a three-member committee to inquire into the allegations of molestation made by the parents of a 10-year-old student against her coach, Sarbajit Adhikari.

The incident happened on September 4 when the student had gone for training at the City Chess Forum at Bagha Jatin, on the southern part of the city.

The girl's parents had complained against Adhikari to club secretary Tapash Sarkar and Bengal Chess Association. "We have formed a panel which will meet after Durga Puja to find evidence and take a decision. One of our vice-presidents Dr Madhumita Roy is also on the panel.

"This incident is unprecedented in the state's chess history. I haven't heard of such a thing before. We will deal with this person in an appropriate way," BCA secretary Atanu Lahiri said.

The girl's parents did file a general diary at the Jadavpur PS on September 6 and they, along with Adhikari, were called to the police station on September 13. Adhikari was given a stern warning and they withdrew the complaint.

Lahiri said the BCA will ask the affiliated units to hire licensed coaches for their coaching centres. "That will be a help to some extent. But if any budding chess player wants to have a private session then we cannot do anything," he added.

The incident forced the club's secretary to resign even though efforts are on to withdraw his resignation. Lahiri may claim that this case is unprecedented, but according to one parent, who did not want to be named, there have been many cases of molestation in chess coaching centres.

"But nobody has dared to come forward and lodge a police complaint. So these cases are not recorded and accused coaches have got away scot-free," the parent said.