The police have filed a complaint against former cricketers Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, and Gurkeerat Mann for mocking disabled people in an Instagram video.
In response to the backlash over the video, Harbhajan released a statement on X clarifying that no offense was intended.
National Center for Promotion of Employment of Persons with Disabilities (NCPEDP) Executive Director Arman Ali complained to the SHO of Amar Colony Police Station.
Apart from the cricketers, Sandhya Devanathan, vice president and CEO of Meta India, is also in the complaint.
According to the complaint, metal’s social media platform Instagram has been accused of violating the Information Technology Act of 2000 by allowing such content to be posted.
Police confirmed that Amar Colony police station had received the complaint, and it will be forwarded to the district cyber cell for further investigation.
The former cricketers posted a video on Instagram after the Indian Champions defeated the Pakistani champions by five runs in the Legends World Cup final.
In the video, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Raina are seen limping and holding their backs, showing the physical effects of matches on their bodies.
“Keha ki Tauba Tauba ho Gayi 15 days in legends cricket… Every part of the body hurts. Live competition for our brothers @vickykaushal09 @karanaujla our version of Tauba Tauba dance. What a SONG,” read the video’s caption.
The video has been criticized by disability activists for its poor taste, with the National Platform for Disability Rights calling it “absolutely disgraceful.”
The complaint alleges that Instagram has not followed its guidelines by allowing derogatory content
“This video is a flagrant violation of Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees every person’s right to a dignified life.
“It also violates Section 92 of the Disability Act, 2016, which is against the directives of the Supreme Court laid down in the case of Nipun Malhotra Vs. Sony Pictures Films India Private Limited (2004 SCC Online SC 1639),” said Arman Ali in the appeal.
Ali urged the authorities to take immediate and appropriate action against those involved and stressed the need to hold public figures accountable for their actions, especially when they despise vulnerable communities
In X message, Harbhajan Singh said: “I just wanted to make it clear to our people, who are complaining about our recent “Tauba Tauba” for videos on social media after winning the championship here in England. We didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. We respect every individual and community, and this video was meant to reflect our bodies after 15 days of non-stop cricket.
“Early bodie, we’re not trying to hurt or offend anyone, even if people think we’ve done something wrong. For my part, I can say SORRY to everyone. Let’s end it here and move on. Stay happy and healthy (sic),” she said in the message.
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