The case of a Bangladeshi ‘superfan’ being reportedly assaulted by spectators during the ongoing Kanpur Test between India and Bangladesh continues to produce new twists and turns. From claims of being assaulted by fellow spectators earlier today to a complete U-turn and then allegations of abusing India cricketers in Chennai to sensationalizing incidents for attention, Tiger Robi has created quite a stir which could result in him being deported to Bangladesh.
The Assault Claim
Midway through the 2nd Test that got underway on Friday, images and clips of Robi, who often dresses up as a tiger to cheer Bangladesh cricket team during international matches, began circulating on social media with claims he was “heckled” and had “physical altercations” with other fans who had assembled at the Green Park stadium to watch India take on Bangladesh.
The Denial
Soon came the denial with Robi himself rubbishing the claims and later police also denying the “baseless reports. It was revealed that Robi fell ill and was brought to a local hospital for treatment.
Abusing Indian Players
However, now various reports citing Bangladeshi journalists who are in India to cover the Test series, are painting a completely different of the superfan.
Quoting Bangladeshi daily Prothom Alo’s journalist, Revsportz, reported that Tiger Robi “is an attention-seeker” and that his claims could very well be exaggerated.
Another journalist, unnamed, claimed Tiger Robi was abusing India cricketers during the first Test in Chennai and especially fast bowler Mohammed Siraj. His act went unnoticed since majority of spectators at Chepauk didn’t understand what he was uttering.
The scribe, speaking on anonymity, as per news agency IANS, said, called Tiger Robi “a regular offender and does this often” raising further questions over his initial claims.
Additionally, the journalist claimed Robi 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 the journalist.
History of Health Issues
Prior to the Test in Kanpur, police confirmed that Robi 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 match, with some speculating whether his prior illness may have triggered his latest health woes.
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 standing nearby came to his help.
Police also said that they would further investigate the matter and if Roby is found to be causing mischief, he might get 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.
Breaking Rules
Robi is also alleged to have been doing Facebook live from the stands during the Chennai Test which is not allowed.
It’s also been claimed that Robi was cheering from the C-upper stand of Green Park which has been closed by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association over structural concerns.
As per IANS, he was the only fan on the balcony, and he later sought medical attention, complaining of being “beaten” up.
“As he complained about suffering blows, we sent him to the hospital,” a police official was quoted as saying by the agency.
The authorities indicated they would review CCTV footage from the stadium to check the veracity of Roby’s allegations.
Additionally, police says if Robi is found to have indulged in mischief, he will be deported to Bangladesh.
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