Marsh defends controversial act of resting feet on World Cup trophy
Melbourne(PTI): Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who faced criticism from Indian fans for resting his feet on the World Cup trophy, on Friday insisted that the gesture was not disrespectful and he won't mind repeating the controversial act.
Soon after Australia defeated hosts India by six wickets in the final to claim their record-extending sixth ODI World Cup, skipper Pat Cummins shared a picture of Marsh with his feet on the trophy on his Instagram account, creating a huge furore on social media.
"There was obviously no disrespect meant in that photo at all," Marsh said on 'Sen Radio'. "I haven't given it too much thought, I haven't seen a lot on social media even though everyone tells me it's gone off. There's nothing in that," he added
However, when asked if he would do it again, Marsh said "Yeah probably, to be honest."
The picture, which went viral on social media, didn't sit well with Indian fans. Even pacer Mohammed Shami claimed that he felt "hurt" by Marsh's action.
"The trophy for which all the teams in the world fight, the trophy which you want to lift over your head, keeping a foot on that trophy did not make me happy," Shami had said.
Four days after Australia beat India in the final, the two sides squared off in a five-match T20 series.
Marsh hopes such big series won't be scheduled so soon after ICC tournaments in future as triumphant players deserve to celebrate for a while with their families at home.
"It was pretty outrageous for the guys that had to stay behind. It's a fine line because we've got to respect the fact we're playing for Australia and it's a series against India which is always really big."
"But there's also the human side of it, the boys have just won a World Cup and probably deserve to celebrate for a while and get home to their families. It's an interesting one."
"You'd hope there's not too many of those series put on after big tournaments again," he added.
As many as seven members from Australia's ODI World Cup-winning team stayed back in India after the final on November 19 for the T20I series.
However, six of the seven players have flown back home with Travis Head being the lone member of the World Cup-winning side to stay put for the remaining two games.
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Kogilu house demolitions: KSHRC flags possible rights violations, seeks govt response
Bengaluru (PTI): A team from the KSHRC on Monday visited the site where several "illegal houses" were demolished in Kogilu in the northern part of the city and said that, prima facie, it appears proper alternative arrangements were not made for the residents, a matter that will be verified.
Karnataka State Human Rights Commission Chairperson T Sham Bhatt said the case has been referred to the commission’s investigation wing to examine allegations of human rights violations and to determine whether legal provisions were followed during the demolition. Based on the preliminary report, initial recommendations will be made to the government.
The demolition of houses at Kogilu’s Waseem Layout and Fakir Colony on December 20 was carried out by Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited to clear encroachments for a proposed solid waste processing unit, officials said.
They added that the houses were constructed without official permission and that most occupants were migrants from other states.
"Our officers will conduct inquiries, and affected people will need to submit relevant documents during the process. If it is government land, we will examine records and make recommendations to the government," Bhatt told reporters.
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"Meanwhile, residents allege that no alternate arrangements were made before the demolitions, although media reports indicate temporary shelter centres were opened at a distance. We will look into all of this," he added.
Further, Bhatt said, "Considering all factors, we will make preliminary recommendations to the government for now. After a proper inquiry, a detailed report will be submitted subsequently."
Responding to questions, the chairperson said that prima facie, based on residents’ accounts, there appears to be a human rights violation.
"However, we cannot conclude anything without verifying the documents. As it is said to be government land, we will serve notice to the government and seek a report on actions taken in accordance with the law. Based on this, we will decide and make recommendations," he said.
Bhatt stated that notices have been served to the deputy commissioner of the district and the Greater Bengaluru Authority, who are required to submit their responses within seven days.
"We have not examined any documents so far. We have only come here to assess the ground situation," he added.
Preliminary recommendations to the government will focus on providing temporary shelters and basic facilities, such as water, to families affected by the demolition.
The issue turned into a political row after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal criticised the demolition. Following this, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday said the government is considering rehabilitating genuine residents among those evicted.
