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Runner Shalu Chaudhary has been acquitted of doping charges by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) panel. Middle-distance runner Shalu was slapped with a four-year ban and the panel revoked her suspension after DNA testing revealed that her urine sample was contaminated at the time of collection. The panel also urged NADA to return Rs 1.5 lakh collected for the DNA test from Chaudhary within 10 days of the order passed on April 18.
"The A and B samples from the previously analysed urine sample produced extremely poor partial DNA profiles, presenting as a mixture of two female individuals in similar proportions," the panel stated.
"In view of the aforesaid facts, the order dated 11.04.2023 passed by the learned Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel is set aside. Accordingly, a sanction of four years imposed upon the athlete is also set aside as well as consequential directions of forfeiture of competitive results w.e.f. 13.06.2022 is also set aside," the panel added.
'Panel's decision to exonerate Shalu Chaudhary'
The 30-year-old was banned last year after she lost her appeal to NADA’s disciplinary panel. Hence, the national-level medallist's plea was accepted by the appeals panel. The DNA testing was done at the Forensics Department of Kings’ College, London.
"I am pleased to announce that the appeals panel's decision to exonerate Shalu Chaudhary validates our longstanding assertion of innocence," Advocate Parth Goswami said in a statement.
"While I am relieved by this outcome, I am deeply saddened by the toll it has taken on Shalu's career, with nearly two years unjustly spent under the shadow of these allegations. Our focus now turns to restoring her reputation and allowing her to resume her rightful place on the track. The impact of such errors by officials on an athlete's career cannot be understated. The consequences can be devastating, not just professionally but personally as well," added Goswami.
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