FIR filed against Yuvraj Singh over comment on Yuzvendra Chahal; Details

A first information report (FIR) has been registered against former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh in Haryana’s Hisar district on Sunday. The cricketer has been accused of using a “casteist slur” against fast bowler Yuzvendra Chahal. Yuvraj had earlier apologized for the “unintentional remarks” he made several months ago.

During an Instagram chat session that was conducted alongside India’s opening batsman Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj had mocked Chahal’s TikTok videos and had said, “Yeh b***gi log ko kaam nahi hai yeh Yuzi aur isko [Kuldeep],” where he meant that people belonging to that particular caste had nothing useful to do. The comment did not go down well with people on social media as a nationwide trend demanded an apology from Yuvraj Singh for his comment. Hansi-based lawyer and Dalit rights activist Rajat Kalsan had earlier lodged a complaint with the Haryana police regarding the same. “This comment has hurt the sentiments of Dalits as millions of people have watched this video on social media,” Kalsan reportedly said in the complaint.

In an official statement on his social media account, Yuvraj Singh had claimed that he was misunderstood. “This is to clarify that I have never believed in any kind of disparity, be it on the basis of caste, colour, creed or gender. I have given and continue to spend my life for the welfare of people. I believe in the dignity of life and respect each individual without exception. I understand that while I was having a conversation with my friends, I was misunderstood, which was unwarranted. However, as a responsible Indian I want to say that if I have unintentionally hurt anybody’s sentiments or feelings, I would like to express regret for the same. My love for India and all its people is eternal,” his statement read.

An FIR has now been lodged under IPC sections 153 (giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 153 A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc.) and under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities), Act based on the Hansi-based Dalit rights activist’s complaint.