Bangladesh team 'super fan' assaulted by spectators during Kanpur Test
What's the story
A Bangladeshi team super fan, known as "Tiger Roby," was reportedly attacked by spectators at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur on Friday. The incident took place during the first day of the second Test match between India and Bangladesh. Roby, who was supporting the Bangladeshi team dressed in a tiger costume, claimed to have been struck on his back and lower abdomen by local spectators. Roby was quickly escorted to a hospital by security personnel following the alleged assault.
Contrasting claims
Roby's account of the incident and police response
In a conversation with Sportstar, he stated, "They hit me on my back and lower abdomen, and I could not breathe." A video shared by PTI shows him writhing in pain as he is carried away by two men. However, local police at the venue have refuted claims of assault. They reported finding Roby near the C Block entrance struggling to breathe and suggested that his condition might be due to dehydration rather than an altercation with spectators.
Twitter Post
He was taken to hospital by the police
VIDEO | Bangladesh cricket team's 'super fan' Tiger Roby was allegedly beaten up by some people during the India-Bangladesh second Test match being played at Kanpur's Green Park stadium. He was taken to hospital by the police. More details are awaited.#INDvsBAN #INDvsBANTEST… pic.twitter.com/n4BXfKZhgy
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 27, 2024
Past incidents
Roby's claims of verbal abuse and previous tensions
On the contrary, Roby told the Indian Express that he had been subjected to verbal abuse since morning. He stated, "A cop told me not to stand at that block. I was there...because I was scared. I've watched enough Bollywood movies to understand the abuses." This incident follows a similar one during the 2023 ODI World Cup match in Pune, where another Bangladeshi supporter, 'Tiger Shoaib,' was targeted by Indian fans who tore apart his iconic tiger mascot.
Investigation underway
Security measures and ongoing investigations into the incident
Prior to the Kanpur Test, security had been increased at Green Park Stadium due to concerns about potential protests from the Hindu Mahasabha. The organization had threatened to demonstrate during the match, citing "atrocities" on Hindus in Bangladesh as their reason. Meanwhile, police have stated that they will review official CCTV footage and investigate Roby's allegations further.