Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh was named in a first information report (FIR) for using a casteist slur against cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal last year. The complaint was registered under the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act by a dalit activist in Hisar district of Haryana on Sunday.
The Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act aims to prohibit discrimination and atrocities committed against members of the community. The FIR was registered under Sections 153, 153A, 295, 505 of IPC, besides sections 3 (1) (r) and 3 (1) (s) of the SC/ST Act.
In April last year, Yuvraj had used the derogatory term to refer to the leg-spinner during an Instagram Live with India opener Rohit Sharma. In the clip, Yuvraj casually makes the casteist remark while discussing Chahal’s TikTok videos, in which he regularly involves his family members to perform with him. Rohit, meanwhile, was seen laughing at this.
The clip went viral in June, giving way to massive outrage on social media, with many calling Yuvraj out and trending the hashtag ‘Yuvraj Singh Maafi Maango’.
Soon after the incident, a police complaint was registered against the former all-rounder by dalit activist and advocate Rajat Kalsan.
The 39-year-old had apologised for “unintentionally” hurting sentiments, adding that he was “misunderstood” and regretted his actions.
“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.
“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. My love for India and all its people is eternal,” he had written on his Twitter account.
Yuvraj Singh retired from international cricket in June 2019.
