Punjab Kings cricketer Shashank Singh, retired IPS officer father booked after cook alleges assault
IPL player Shashank Singh and his father, retired IPS officer Shailesh Singh, have been named in a criminal case in Bhopal after a domestic cook accused them of assault, abuse and wrongful confinement, police said.
The case, registered at Ratibad Police Station in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal district, stems from a complaint filed by a 31-year-old cook who had recently joined the family's household staff.
According to police records, the complainant, Vipendra Singh Tomar from Rewa district, alleged that he was recruited to work as a cook at the family's residence in Mendori village near Bhopal. He claimed he was offered a monthly salary of ₹15,000 along with accommodation, meals and assurances of support in finding a government job in the future.
The controversy allegedly began shortly after he started work. In his complaint, Tomar claimed that he was subjected to repeated verbal hostility and pressure over the food he prepared. He further alleged that the atmosphere at the residence became increasingly hostile, prompting him to express a desire to leave the job and return home.
The complainant told police that his decision to quit allegedly angered members of the household. He claimed his mobile phone was taken away, preventing him from contacting others and that he was pressured to continue working despite wanting to leave.
Tomar also alleged that he locked himself inside a room out of fear. However, according to the complaint, Shashank Singh, his father and the family's driver later entered the room and physically assaulted him.
Police said the complainant subsequently underwent a medical examination, which reportedly recorded injuries on different parts of his body. Based on the complaint and the medical findings, an FIR was registered against the accused.
Apart from Shashank Singh and retired IPS officer Shailesh Singh, the family's driver has also been named in the case and is under investigation.
What charges have been filed?
Ratibad Police have registered the case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections related to voluntarily causing hurt, verbal abuse and common intention involving multiple accused.
Investigators have begun examining the allegations. Police have not announced any arrests in the case so far.
Who is Shashank Singh?
Shashank Singh is an Indian all-rounder who has become a key figure in Punjab Kings' middle order in recent IPL seasons. Known for his aggressive batting and ability to finish games, the 34-year-old has built a reputation as a dependable performer under pressure.
Although he spent time with franchises such as Delhi Daredevils, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, his career gained fresh momentum after joining Punjab Kings. His standout IPL 2024 campaign included a match-winning unbeaten 61 off 29 deliveries against Gujarat Titans, a knock that brought him widespread recognition among cricket fans.
Shashank's rise was preceded by a successful stint in domestic cricket with Chhattisgarh, where he revitalised his career after moving from Mumbai. In the 2023-24 domestic season, he achieved a rare milestone by scoring over 150 runs and taking five wickets in the same List A game, underlining his value as a genuine all-rounder.
With ANI inputs