Bangladesh super fan Tiger Robi claims he was assaulted the Kanpur crowd on Day 1 | Cricket News
Bangladesh super fan Tiger Robi has claimed he was brutally assaulted a mob of around 15 people on Day 1 of the second Test match between India and Bangladesh at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. However, the UP police have refuted Robi’s claim, saying he collapsed because of dehydration and wasn’t assaulted anyone.
According to Robi, the incident happened just before the lunch break. “A section of the crowd has been abusing me since the morning. Once lunch was called I just started shouting the names of Najmul Shanto and Mominul Haque. Few of them started shoving me around, tried to tear my mascot (Tiger) and my flag, and when I resed they started hitting me,” he told The Indian Express.
However, a police officer, who was present at the spot said: “He collapsed because of dehydration. He was not assaulted anyone.”
Robi was later carried off the police out of the stadium and was taken to a hospital.
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Robi was the lone fan standing on the Balcony, which was closed for spectators due to the safety concerns.
“A cop told me not to stand at that block. I was there only because I was scared. They were hurling abuses since morning. I have watched enough Bollywood movies to understand the abuses,” he said.
“They were relentless since the morning. Is supporting your team, your country a crime?,” added Robi.
This is not the first time Bangladesh fans have been beaten up Indian fans. During the India vs Bangladesh 2023 ODI World Cup match in Pune, Shoaib Ali Bukhari, known as ‘Tiger Shoaib’ was targeted the Indian fans. His Tiger mascot was also torn apart.
Ahead of the Kanpur Test, security at the stadium was tightened after the Hindu Mahasabha threatened to protest during the game against “atrocities” on Hindus in Bangladesh.
“The police are alert about the situation in Bangladesh. Tight security arrangements have been made for the match. We are taking inputs from the intelligence agencies. If anyone tries to protest, action will be taken accordingly,” Kanpur Police Commissioner Harish Chander had said.
