File picture of Yuvraj Singh
Hisar, Haryana: Eight months after Yuvraj Singh, who retired from international cricket in 2019, apologised for the "unintentional remarks" made during an Instagram live video, a first information report (FIR) was filed against the former India all-rounder in Haryana's Hisar district on Sunday. He has been accused of using a "casteist slur" against cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal.
The 39-year-old former cricketer had said he was "misunderstood" after his June 2020 Instagram live video with ex-teammate Rohit Sharma - that had his comments on leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal - was widely shared on social media, triggering outrage. Yuvraj Singh and Rohit Sharma were seen discussing Mr Chahal's TikTok videos.
A Dalit activist in Hisar district on Sunday filed a police complaint, demanding his arrest and registration of the case under the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which aims to prohibit discrimination. A first information report (FIR) was registered under Sections 153, 153A, 295, 505 of IPC, besides sections 3 (1) (r) and 3 (1) (s) of the SC/ST Act.
Last year, in June, an advocate from Hisar had filed a police complaint against the ex-cricketer amid outrage.
Mr Singh, in a statement posted on his official Twitter handle, had at the time expressed regret "if I have unintentionally hurt anybody's sentiments or feelings", adding that his "love for India and all its people is eternal".
"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," read the statement.
"I understand that while I was having a conversation with my friends, I was misunderstood, which was unwarranted. However, as a responsible Indian I want to say that if I have unintentionally hurt anybody's sentiments or feelings, I would like to express regret for the same. My love for India and all its people is eternal," the statement added.
The 37-year-old was the chief architect of India's World Cup triumph in 2011 and he also played a pivotal role in helping the side to lift the inaugural T20 World Cup trophy.