Cricketers in Hot Water Over Insensitive Instagram Video

A police complaint has been lodged against former cricketers Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, and Gurkeerat Mann over an Instagram video allegedly mocking people with disabilities. The National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People filed the complaint, urging penal action. Harbhajan Singh apologized on 'X'.

A police complaint has been filed against former cricketers Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, and Gurkeerat Mann for allegedly mocking people with disabilities in a video uploaded on Instagram.

Responding to the uproar, Harbhajan Singh posted a clarification on 'X', stating there was no intention to insult anyone.

The complaint, lodged by Arman Ali, executive director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), was filed with the SHO of the Amar Colony police station. It also names Sandhya Devanathan, vice president and managing director of Meta India, and accuses Instagram of violating the Information Technology Act, 2000.

A police officer confirmed the complaint has been received and will be forwarded to the cyber cell for further investigation. The video, uploaded after India Champions' victory over Pakistan Champions, shows Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Raina limping and holding their backs to depict the physical toll taken by the matches.

Disability activists have criticized the video as ''totally disgraceful.'' Arman Ali emphasized it violated Article 21 of the Constitution of India and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. He urged immediate action against those involved, mentioning that a simple apology from the cricketers wouldn't suffice.

Harbhajan Singh apologized on 'X', expressing regret if sentiments were hurt and asking to move forward.