According to reports, the Ratibad Police Station has registered a case under Sections 296(B), 115(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police have initiated an investigation into the allegations.
Cook Alleges Assault and Phone Seizure
The complainant, Vipendra Singh Tomar, a resident of Rewa district in Madhya Pradesh, told police that he joined work as a cook at the Singh family's bungalow in Neelbad on June 25. He alleged that he had been promised a monthly salary of ₹15,000 along with food and accommodation.
In his complaint, Tomar claimed that shortly after joining, he was informed that there were shortcomings in his work and that his mobile phone was taken away by the family.
According to the FIR, the dispute escalated on June 28 when Tomar requested the return of his phone after preparing breakfast.
"I asked Shailesh Singh to return my mobile phone, but he refused. Upset over this, I went to my room," Tomar stated in his complaint.
He further alleged that Shailesh Singh, Shashank Singh, and their driver entered his room, verbally abused him, and physically assaulted him.
"They abused me and started assaulting me with their hands and fists. After beating me, they forced me out of the house," Tomar alleged.
Tomar also claimed that ₹1,000 was transferred from his mobile phone, alleging that the accused deducted the amount towards food and accommodation expenses.
Shashank Singh Denies Assault Allegations
Responding to the accusations, Shashank Singh categorically denied assaulting or unlawfully confining the complainant.
"No, we didn't hold him hostage," Shashank told ANI.
The Punjab Kings batter alleged that the complainant had falsely claimed to be a cook and behaved suspiciously during his stay at the residence.
"It is true that he arrived claiming to be a cook, but he wasn't a cook at all. He didn't know how to cook; he was just here to have fun, taking videos and photos, and even going into my room. Since he was doing things like that, I suspect he came with the intention of stealing," Shashank said.
"We are very fortunate that, from what we've checked so far, nothing has been stolen."
Cricketer Explains Why Phone Was Taken
Addressing the allegation that the complainant's mobile phone was seized, Shashank said the device contained private photos and videos of the family's residence.
"It is true that his phone contained videos and photos of the house, so my mother had him delete them because they were very private," he said.
Shashank also claimed that the police had not contacted him regarding the case and revealed that his family had considered calling the authorities after allegedly catching the complainant recording inside the house.
"The police haven't approached us so far. When we caught him taking photos and videos, my sister suggested dialing 100. But he pleaded, and I let him go," he stated.
Rejecting the allegations of assault and verbal abuse, Shashank maintained that such behaviour was inconsistent with his character.
"It is possible that someone might level such allegations against me. I believe that anyone who knows me knows that physical altercation is completely out of the question for me. I hesitate even to use abusive language, so I certainly couldn't do something like that. I don't think I need to offer any justification regarding this."
Police Investigation Underway
The allegations and Shashank Singh's statements are currently being examined by the Ratibad police. Authorities have registered the FIR and begun an investigation. No official findings have been announced so far, and the allegations remain under investigation.
