In a case that has drawn attention beyond the cricket field, Punjab Kings player Shashank Singh, his father, and their driver face legal proceedings following accusations of assault and mistreatment of a household cook in Bhopal.
Authorities registered a First Information Report at the Ratibad Police Station after 31-year-old Vipendra Singh Tomar, originally from Rewa district, filed a complaint detailing physical violence, verbal abuse, and wrongful confinement at the family’s residence in Nilbad. The three individuals named in the case are Shashank Singh, his father Shailesh Singh a retired senior police official and the family driver, identified as Mishra.
Tomar reportedly joined the household on June 25 with an agreed monthly salary of Rs 15,000, along with provisions for meals, accommodation, and assurances of support in securing future government employment. According to the complaint, tensions arose quickly, with frequent disputes centered on the quality of meals prepared by the cook.
When Tomar expressed his wish to resign and return home amid the deteriorating environment, matters escalated. He alleged that his mobile phone was seized to stop him from reaching out to others, leading him to secure himself inside a room for safety. The accused are said to have broken open the door, subjected him to physical assault, and then forced him out of the premises.
A subsequent medical examination by police confirmed visible marks of injury on his face and body. The FIR invokes relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including provisions related to obscene acts and verbal abuse, voluntarily causing hurt, and joint criminal liability. Police have initiated an investigation into the allegations.
Shashank Singh, an all-rounder recognized for his aggressive batting style as a finisher, continues to be part of the Punjab Kings squad. In the recently concluded 2026 Indian Premier League season, he featured in 12 matches, scoring 132 runs at a strike rate of 188.57. His on-field contributions, however, were hampered by a noticeable decline in form during the latter part of the campaign, as the team led by Shreyas Iyer failed to advance in the playoffs. He also faced criticism for fielding lapses, including dropped catches.
This incident highlights the challenges that can emerge in private employment settings and remains under active police scrutiny. No further details on arrests or statements from the accused have been disclosed as investigations proceed.