Ex-IPS officer RS Yadav apologises to Abhay Chautala, row ends

The controversy between INLD national president Abhay Singh Chautala and retired IPS officer RS Yadav ended on Sunday after the former police officer issued a public and written apology, withdrawing remarks he had made during a podcast interview.

Yadav, a 1988-batch IPS officer of the Gujarat cadre, had alleged in a podcast aired on YouTube on November 24 that he was beaten with shoes by Abhay Chautala. Following the statement, the INLD chief warned Yadav to either apologise or face a Rs 100-crore defamation suit, alleging that the remarks were defamatory and aimed at damaging his political image.

After receiving the legal notice, Yadav first apologised publicly on social media and subsequently submitted a written apology on his official letterhead. In the letter dated December 14, 2025, addressed to Abhay Singh Chautala, former MLA Ajay Chautala and others, Yadav expressed regret over his remarks, saying he was sorry if his words had hurt their feelings and wished Abhay Chautala success in his political career.

Earlier, Yadav also issued a video clarification, stating that he had never claimed Abhay Chautala had beaten him with shoes and that his remarks were misunderstood and taken out of context. He described Abhay Chautala as “a good politician” and said he had no intention of defaming anyone or becoming part of any political conspiracy.

INLD Sirsa district president Jasbir Singh Jassa said Yadav had spoken to Abhay Chautala and his son Arjun Chautala a day earlier and the matter had been amicably resolved. He added that Yadav told them he felt he was “used” in the episode.

Abhay Chautala’s counsel RS Mehta said a legal notice had been issued following the remarks and that Yadav responded by tendering a written and public apology.

Speaking to ‘The Tribune’, Yadav confirmed that he had apologised both telephonically and in writing. “The remarks were made briefly while I was narrating my long career in a podcast, but the clip went viral. I decided to apologise publicly to end the controversy and prevent it from turning into a caste-related issue,” he said.