Cricketer's Celebrity Status at Center of Legal Clash with Influencer

Indian cricketer Prithvi Shaw is embroiled in a legal battle with social media influencer Sapna Gill, who filed a molestation complaint against him following a brawl. Shaw claims the allegations are unfounded and an attempt to exploit his celebrity status. The case continues in court.

Indian cricketer Prithvi Shaw, on Tuesday, claimed that the molestation complaint filed against him by social media influencer Sapna Gill is unfounded and driven by a desire to tarnish his reputation for publicity gain. Shaw's formal response, submitted to a local court, alleges that Gill has misused gender dynamics to resolve a personal grudge linked to an altercation earlier this year.

Gill's legal troubles began in February 2023, following her arrest over an alleged attack on Shaw after a disagreement over taking selfies at a hotel. After securing bail, Gill lodged a complaint at Andheri's Airport police station, accusing Shaw, his friend Ashish Yadav, and others, of molestation. However, the police refrained from filing a First Information Report (FIR).

The magistrate subsequently directed the police to conduct a fresh inquiry under Section 202 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to establish case grounds. Unsettled by this order, Gill appealed to a sessions court for revision in April 2024, represented by advocate Ali Kaashif Khan. As the legal battle ensues, both parties prepare for the upcoming hearing on March 31.

(With inputs from agencies.)