Former Cricketers Accused of Mocking Disabilities in Instagram Video

Former Cricketers Face Police Complaint for Mocking Disabilities

A police complaint has been filed against former Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, and Gurkeerat Mann for allegedly mocking people with disabilities in a video posted on Instagram. The complaint was lodged by Arman Ali, the executive director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), with the SHO of the Amar Colony police station in Delhi.

The video, which was uploaded after India Champions beat Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends final, shows the cricketers limping and holding their backs to depict the physical toll taken by the matches. The caption of the video read, "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."

Disability activists have condemned the video as being in poor taste. The National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled called it "totally disgraceful." The complaint alleges that Instagram, which is owned by Meta, violated the Information Technology Act, 2000, by allowing such content to be posted.

A police officer confirmed that the complaint had been received and would be shared with the district's cyber cell for further investigation.

The complaint states that Instagram failed to adhere to its user guidelines, thus enabling the dissemination of derogatory content. "This video is a blatant violation of Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees every person the right to life with dignity," Ali said. "It also breaches Section 92 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and contravenes the Supreme Court's guidelines established in the case of Nipun Malhotra v. Sony Pictures Films India Private Limited (2004 SCC Online SC 1639)."

Ali urged the authorities to take immediate and appropriate action against the individuals involved and emphasized the need to hold public figures accountable for their actions, especially when they undermine the dignity of vulnerable communities.

Speaking to PTI after lodging the complaint, Ali said a simple apology from these cricketers would not suffice. "They must be penalized for their actions," he said.

Tags: #cricket, #disabled, #sport, #disabilityrights, #socialmedia