Shashank Singh [Source: AFP]IPL star Shashank Singh has issued his first statement after he and his father were booked following allegations made by their cook, who accused them of verbal abuse and assault.Notably, on Monday morning, the Bhopal Police registered a case at Ratibad Police Station based on a complaint filed by Vipendra Singh Tomar, who had only recently started working at Shashank Singh's residence.Cook Filed Complaint Against Shashank Singh And His FamilyIt is also important to note that, along with the Punjab Kings middle-order batter and his father, their driver has also been named as a co-accused in the case and is currently under investigation by the Ratibad Police.Tomar, a resident of Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district, was employed as a cook at the Singh family's residence in Bhopal's Mendori village after securing the job through an acquaintance.Cook Alleged Verbal Abuse And AssaultIn his written complaint, Tomar alleged that he was promised a salary of ₹15,000 along with free accommodation and food at retired IPL officer Shailesh Singh's bungalow in Nilbad.However, according to the complaint, things took a turn for the worse within hours of him joining the job, as he allegedly faced intense mental harassment and abuse. Tomar claimed that complaints were raised about the quality of the food he prepared, following which the situation escalated rapidly.Soon after the complaint surfaced, the internet was flooded with reactions, with many netizens criticizing and trolling Shashank over the allegations. However, Shashank has now finally broken his silence and presented his side of the story in a conversation with ANI.Shashank Singh Denies AllegationsAccording to Shashank Singh, the cook, who accused him of assault, did not know how to cook and had allegedly come with the intention of enjoying himself rather than working. It is also important to note that Shashank further claimed that he suspected the cook had intentions of theft.He said: "No, we didn't hold him hostage... 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. We are very fortunate that, from what we've checked so far, nothing has been stolen... 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 further added: "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... 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."Also Read: Former Punjab Kings Member Joins Hyderabad TeamFIR Registered Under Bharatiya Nyaya SanhitaIt is important to note that the Ratibad Police have registered an FIR based on Tomar's complaint. The case has been filed under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 296(B) (obscene acts and public verbal abuse), Section 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt/assault), and Section 3(5) (joint criminal liability for acts committed by multiple persons with a common intention).Could The Controversy Affect Shashank Singh's IPL Career?Notably, the incident could potentially impact Shashank Singh's future with the Punjab Kings in the IPL. Franchises generally avoid retaining players who become embroiled in serious legal controversies. Similar concerns were raised in the recent case involving Yash Dayal, who faced allegations in a sexual harassment case. Likewise, Shashank Singh's IPL journey could also be adversely affected if he is found guilty of the alleged criminal offences by the cook. Also Read: Australian Players Who Switched To Another Team After Playing For Australia, Ft. Moises Henriques
