Kanpur: Police in Kanpur have trashed Bangladesh cricket team fan Robi’s charges that he was assaulted by people who had come to watch the match on the opening day of the second Test between India and Bangladesh at Green Park Stadium here.
Die-hard Bangladeshi supporter Tiger Roby, who wears a tiger costume to represent the Bangla Tigers, the National Team’s nickname, claimed he was mistreated while attempting to cheer for his team from the C Block balcony, which was, incidentally, closed to spectators due to safety concerns.
However, several Bangladeshi journalists covering the Test series spilled the beans. They expressed scepticism about Roby’s allegations, indicating that he often sensationalises issues for attention. “He is a regular offender and does this often,” commented one journalist, who spoke anonymously.
This scribe revealed that Roby had travelled to India on a medical visa, which he had obtained for treatment related to his health issues.
“He was uttering vulgar abuses to Indian cricketers, especially Mohammad Siraj, in Chennai, but no one knew the language (Bengali). People did nothing, but here in Kanpur, people know the language,” said a Bangladeshi journalist on condition of anonymity.
Before the Test in Kanpur, police confirmed that Roby had visited a local hospital a day before the match as he was suffering from dehydration and loose motions. This history of health concerns raised questions about his condition during the game, with some speculating whether his prior illness may have triggered his latest health woes.
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A video released by the local police in the late evening showed Ruby suddenly sitting on the road with a hand on his stomach. He was struggling to get up when police personnel nearby came to help.
Police also said they would further investigate the matter. If Roby is found to be causing mischief, he might be deported to Bangladesh.
A source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) dismissed Roby as a “sensationalist,” suggesting that he has a history of making inflammatory claims. The BCCI official told IANS that in the first Test in Chennai, he had similarly alleged that local fans were “abusing” him despite admitting that he did not understand Tamil.
IANS understands that Roby was the only fan on the balcony, and he later sought medical attention, complaining of being “beaten” up.
Police sources confirmed to IANS that Roby was taken to Regency Hospital for treatment after his allegations. “As he complained about suffering blows, we sent him to the hospital,” a police official informed. The authorities indicated they would review CCTV footage from the stadium to check the veracity of Roby’s allegations.
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