Congress leader calls Rohit Sharma 'fat for a sportsman', 'most unimpressive captain'
Triggers outrage
Mumbai: Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed has sparked controversy with her sharp criticism of Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, calling him "fat for a sportsman" and labeling him "the most unimpressive captain India has ever had."
Her now-deleted post on X came after Sharma was dismissed for just 15 runs off 17 balls during India's match against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy. She wrote, "@ImRo45 is fat for a sportsman! Needs to lose weight! And of course, the most unimpressive captain India has ever had." She went on to call him a "mediocre captain and player" who got "lucky" to be India's captain.
The remarks triggered outrage across social media and political circles, with BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari criticising the Congress, stating, "Shame on Congress! Now they are going after the Indian cricket captain! Do they expect Rahul Gandhi to now play cricket after failing in Indian politics?"
BJP leader Radhika Khera also condemned Shama's comments, stating that Congress had a history of undermining athletes. “This is the same Congress that humiliated athletes for decades, denied them recognition, and now dares to mock a cricketing legend? The party that thrives on nepotism is lecturing a self-made champion?” Khera wrote on X.
Following the backlash, Shama clarified that her tweet was a "generic" comment about a sportsperson's fitness rather than body-shaming. “It was a generic tweet about the fitness of a sportsperson. It was not body-shaming. I always believed a sportsperson should be fit, and I felt he was a bit overweight, so I just tweeted about that. I have the right. What is wrong in saying? It is a democracy,” she told news agency ANI.
In response to the controversy, the Congress party distanced itself from Shama’s remarks. Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera issued a statement stating, "Dr Shama Mohammed, National Spokesperson of the Indian National Congress, made certain remarks about a cricketing legend that do not reflect the party's position."
He emphasised that the Indian National Congress holds the contributions of sporting icons in the highest regard and does not endorse any statements that undermine their legacy.
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UP: Govt hospital staff booked for sexually assaulting woman in pretext of ultrasound test
Gorakhpur (PTI): A hospital employee was booked for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in the pretext of an ultrasound test here in the district women's hospital, police said on Saturday.
According to the complaint, the woman, a resident of the Gulriha area, visited the district women's hospital on Thursday morning for an ultrasound test.
She was directed to a room, where Abhimanyu Gupta was conducting ultrasounds. When her turn came, the accused allegedly stared at her and told her to remove all her clothes, claiming it was necessary for the test and that a massage would also be required, she said.
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The woman alleged that once she complied, the accused began making obscene advances and tried to force himself on her. When she screamed, he allegedly gagged her, abused her and threatened to kill her before pushing her out of the room.
She said her complaints within the hospital went unheard, forcing her to approach the police.
Taking cognisance of the complaint, the hospital administration constituted a three-member inquiry committee, officials said.
Senior consultant (paediatrics) Dr Jay Kumar said, "The woman has levelled serious allegations against a staff member. Senior officials have been informed, and a departmental inquiry is underway. Strict action will be taken if the charges are proved."
Kotwali Station House Officer Chatrapal Singh said a case has been registered, and efforts are on to nab the accused.
