(Source X)
Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, and Suresh Raina, former stalwarts of Indian cricket, are facing backlash after a video went viral on social media showing them mocking disabled individuals.
In the video, the celebrated 2011 World Cup heroes were reportedly celebrating their victory in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2024, accompanied by the song ‘Tauba Tauba’ from the movie ‘Bad Newz’.
Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, and Suresh Raina face a police complaint for mocking disabled persons.
Harbhajan Singh recently shared a video on his Instagram, featuring himself, along with former teammates Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, and Gurkeerat Mann, humorously mimicking limping movements to the tune of the song ‘Tauba Tauba’. Their intention appeared to be depicting the physical toll of participating in tournaments as they age.
However, the video sparked controversy as it was perceived by many as mocking and disrespectful towards individuals with disabilities. This prompted the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) to file a police complaint against the cricketers. Arman Ali, the Executive Director of NCPEDP, lodged the complaint at the Amar Colony police station in New Delhi, alleging that the video insulted and ridiculed more than 10 crore disabled individuals in India. Additionally, he included Instagram in his complaint, accusing the platform of violating the Information Technology Act.
The NCPEDP claims the act was disguised as casual entertainment.
According to News18, the complaint lodged by the NCPEDP’s executive director, Arman Alim reads: “When I saw the video of Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina where they were pretending like disabled, kind of mockery on a viral song, I think it’s an insult to more than 10 crore disabled people of India. They can be seen walking and limping in a manner which is offensive to persons with disabilities.”
The complaint further reads: “Harbhajan Singh is an MP, and he should raise his voice for the disabled, but what kind of video he is making? In India, there is an acute lack of awareness concerning disabilities. You are spreading myth and making fun of them and that’s why I have filed a complaint. This entire act has been done in disguise of casual entertainment.
We also want to register this complaint against Sandhya Devanathan, the Vice President and Managing Director of Meta India as the platform is also in violation of the Information Technology Act of 2000 by allowing such content to be posted on their platform Instagram which violating user guidelines.”
The India Champions secured victory in the inaugural World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2024 in Birmingham, defeating the Pakistan Champions by five wickets in the final. Ambati Rayudu, Yusuf Pathan, and Gurkeerat played crucial roles in their triumph, with Yuvraj Singh’s captaincy proving pivotal throughout the tournament held in England.
IND vs PAK WCL 2024 Final Scores:
Pakistan – 156/6 in 20 overs (Shoaib Malik 41, Kamran Akmal 24; Anureet Singh 3/43)
India – 159/5 in 19.1 overs (Ambati Rayudu 50, Yusuf Pathan 30, Gurkeerat Singh Mann 34; Aamer Yamin 2/29).
