Punjab Kings cricketer Shashank Singh has publicly addressed allegations of assault and wrongful confinement made by his former cook, Vipendra Singh Tomar. An FIR was registered against Shashank, his father Shailesh Singh, and their driver in Bhopal following Tomar’s complaint. Shashank has denied the accusations, stating that the complainant was not held against his will and was taking private videos within the family’s residence.
According to Tomar, a resident of Rewa district, he began working as a cook at the Singh family’s bungalow in Neelbad on June 25. He claimed he was promised a monthly salary of ₹15,000, along with food and accommodation. Tomar alleged that he was later told there were shortcomings in his work and that his mobile phone was confiscated. The situation reportedly escalated on June 28 when he requested his phone back. Tomar’s complaint states that Shailesh Singh, Shashank Singh, and their driver then entered his room, verbally abused him, and assaulted him with hands and fists before forcing him out of the house. He also alleged that ₹1,000 was transferred from his mobile phone, which the accused claimed was for food and accommodation expenses.
Shashank Singh’s Counter-Allegations
Shashank Singh has refuted the allegations of assault and wrongful confinement. He stated that the complainant was not a skilled cook as initially claimed and was instead taking videos and photos inside the house, including private areas and his room. Shashank expressed suspicion that Tomar’s intention might have been to steal, though he noted that nothing had been reported missing so far.
Regarding the confiscated phone, Shashank explained that his mother had asked Tomar to delete videos and photos of the house because they were considered very private. He also mentioned that the police have not yet contacted him concerning the FIR. Shashank further claimed that when they discovered Tomar taking photos and videos, his sister suggested calling the police, but they decided against it after Tomar pleaded.
Shashank also questioned the timeline of events, stating, “A person who comes on the evening of the 25th and leaves on the morning of the 28th – how can you call that keeping someone hostage?” He added that the cook had initially misrepresented his culinary skills, claiming to know how to prepare various dishes, but later admitted he could not cook properly. Shashank alleged that Tomar had recorded videos of bedrooms and sent them to other people. He also mentioned that Tomar had sought an advance payment of ₹20,000 shortly after arriving, having been recommended by an acquaintance of his father.
Police Investigation Underway
The Ratibad police in Bhopal have registered a case under Sections 296(B), 115(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These sections pertain to obscene acts and public verbal abuse, voluntarily causing hurt/assault, and joint criminal liability, respectively. The police have launched an investigation into the allegations made by Tomar. Shashank Singh has denied that he or his family assaulted or held the complainant against his will, stating that physical altercation is out of the question for him.
The matter is currently under police investigation.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter