Amit Mishra responds to assualt charges; to arrive in Bengaluru next week
Bengaluru Police have confirmed that Amit Mishra has contacted them regarding the assault charges levied at him by a woman residing in the city, Times of India reports. The Indian leg-spinner apparently contacted the officials via a text message and informed that he would be arriving in the capital city next week for interrogation.
A huge furore was created a couple of days earlier when reports became public that Mishra was accused of assaulting a woman in Bengaluru when the India team was having a training camp last month. It was later revealed that the women in question was a Bollywood producer and a long-time friend of the 32-year-old.
The woman had apparently gone to a city hotel to meet Mishra last month but was allegedly assaulted. She filed an FIR on September 27 and the Karnataka police had, a couple of days earlier, instructed Mishra to appear before them within a week’s time.
With the Haryana leggie an integral part of the Indian ODI team that is taking on South Africa in the ongoing 5-match ODI series, Mishra informed the concerned officials that he would be flying to Bengaluru as soon as the series concludes at Mumbai on October 25.
Bengaluru Police confirmed that they had indeed received Mishra’s message and revealed that considering the high-profile nature of the case, they are taking all necessary precautions to ensure that the case is dealt with in all seriousness.
"We wanted to make sure he couldn't claim later that he didn't know about our efforts to contact him, especially when case details hadn't appeared in the media. We've also taken screenshots of the message he has sent for our records," said a senior police officer.
However, he is also wary that Mishra could have been wrongly accused and said that they would be listening to both parties to ensure fair treatment.
"We'll hear the versions of both parties. We'll question him on his statement and compare it with the complaint. If we find substantial evidence, we'll file a chargesheet. Otherwise, due processes will be followed," the officer added.
Mishra had found support from fellow spinner Harbhajan Singh in the aftermath of the incident with the off-spinner claiming that Mishra would play in the Chennai ODI that is currently underway should the team management find him suitable for the pitch conditions.
“Amit Mishra is definitely available. If the management feels that he should be playing on this track, he will play,” Harbhajan said, as reported by The Indian Express.
With the pitch at Chennai expected to provide much assistance to the spinners, Mishra has kept his place in the playing eleven.