Former Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, and Gurkeerat Mann are facing serious allegations after a video surfaced on Instagram, allegedly mocking people with disabilities. A police complaint was filed against these cricketers. The video, posted after India Champions victory over Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) final, has led to backlash. Complaint filed in DelhiThe complaint was filed by Arman Ali, executive director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP). Ali lodged the complaint with the Station House Officer (SHO) of the Amar Colony police station in Delhi. The complaint also names Sandhya Devanathan, the vice president and managing director of Meta India, as well as Instagram, which is owned by Meta, for violating the Information Technology Act, of 2000, by allowing such content to be posted.What is the matterIn the video, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Raina are seen limping and holding their backs, mimicking the physical strain of the matches. The caption of the video reads, Body ki Tauba Tauba ho Gayi in 15 days legends cricket... Every part of the body is sore. Straight competition to our brothers @vickykaushal09 @karanaujla our version of Tauba Tauba dance. What a SONG. This portrayal was intended to be humorous but was perceived as offensive by many.Winning celebrations from Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan and Raina. 🤣🔥 pic.twitter.com/mgrcnd8GpH— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 14, 2024What have activists saidDisability activists quickly condemned the video. The National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled described it as totally disgraceful. The complaint asserted that Instagram did not follow its user guidelines, which led to the dissemination of derogatory content.In his complaint, Arman Ali stated that the video violated Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the right to life with dignity. It also breached Section 92 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and contravened Supreme Court guidelines from the case of Nipun Malhotra V Sony Pictures Films India Private Limited.A simple apology from these cricketers would not suffice, Ali told PTI. They must be penalized for their actions.Harbhajan Singh issues public apologyIn response to the uproar, Harbhajan Singh issued a public apology on the social media platform X. He clarified that the intention behind the video was not to hurt anyones sentiments. We respect every individual and community, and this video was just to reflect our bodies after playing continuous cricket for 15 days, he wrote. SORRY to everyone... please lets stop this here and move forward. Stay happy and healthy.🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/mCMCquRbbZ— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 15, 2024
