‘Sorry to Everyone’: Harbhajan Singh Issues Apology After Disability Rights Groups Lodge Police Complaint Over Viral Video

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has issued a public apology after being called out by disability rights groups for allegedly mocking people with disabilities in a video. After defeating the Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends, the likes of Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan, Suresh Raina and Gurkeerat Singh Mann featured in a video in which they were seen limping to show the physical toll taken by the matches on their bodies.

However, the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) lodged a police complaint against the former Indian cricketers, accusing them of mocking people with disabilities.

On Monday, Harbhajan took to social media to explain the context of the video. Issuing an apology, the legendary off-spinner said they didn’t want to hurt anyone’s sentiments.

“Just wanted to clear to our people who are complaining about our recent videos of Tauba Tauba on social media after winning the championship here in England. We didn’t want to hurt anyone’s sentiments. We respect every individual and community. And this video was just to reflect to our bodies after playing continues cricket for 15 days. SORE bodies.. we r not trying to insult or offend anyone.. still if people think we hv done something wrong ..All I can say from my side. SORRY to everyone .. plz let’s stop this here and move forward. Stay happy and healthy. Love to all. Regards,” Harbhajan said.

NRPD condemns the cricketer’s act

The NRPD condemned the cricketers’ act, calling the social media pots ‘totally disgraceful’.

“No words are sufficient enough to condemn such behaviour specially when displayed by people considered national heroes. Such degrading actions only exposes their total insensitivity and boorishness,” the NPRD said.

As reported by NDTV, a complaint has also been against Sandhya Devanathan, the Vice President and Managing Director of Meta India.

“This video is a blatant violation of Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees every person the right to life with dignity. 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),” disability activist Arman Ali said in the complaint.