Cricketer Yuvraj Singh booked in Haryana for making ‘casteist remarks’

Deepender Deswal
Tribune News Service
Hisar, February 15 

Veteran cricketer Yuvraj Singh has been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the SC/ST Act for making ‘casteist remarks’ during an online conversation on social media with fellow cricketer Rohit Sharma in June last year.

A Hansi based lawyer and activist, Rajat Kalsan, had filed a complaint with the police on June 2 last year. However, the police kept the matter pending for nearly eight months before proceeding with the FIR.

The police said a case, under sections 153 (Wantonly giving provocation with the intent to cause riots), 153(a) (Promoting and enmity between different groups on grounds of religion race, place of birth, residence, language and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), 505 (Statements conducing public mischief), 295 (Injuring or defiling place of worship, with intent to insult the religion of any class) of the IPC and also relevant sections of the SC/ST Act has been registered.

Besides, an administrative inquiry has also been initiated against the police officials concerned for keeping the complaint pending for long, a police spokesperson said.

The controversy erupted when Yuvraj, 37, who retired from professional cricket nearly two years ago, made a casteist slur during an Instagram live video chat with cricketer Rohit Sharma in reference to cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal.

Yuvraj, however, was quick to apologise in an attempt to put an end to the controversy and issued a statement to express regret if he had unintentionally hurt anybody’s sentiments or feelings. The statement read, “This is to clarify that I have never believed in any kind of disparity, be it on the basis of caste, colour, creed or gender. I have given and continue to spend my life for the welfare of people. I believe in the dignity of life and respect each individual without exception”.

The Hansi police spokesperson said that they have taken action on the complaint following a preliminary inquiry.

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