Sardar Singh denies he assaulted girlfriend

Hockey India backs player

Indian hockey captain Sardar Singh, who has been accused by his long-time girlfriend of ‘attempt to rape’ in a complaint filed at a police station in Ludhiana, has denied the charges.

The girl, who also claims to be Sardar’s fiancee, has also accused Sardar of ‘blackmail, mental harassment and physical harassment,’ reported media from India.

Sardar, who is currently playing for Punjab Warriors in the ongoing Hockey India League (HIL), has denied assault reports.  “I know her, but it’s wrong to say that I have assaulted her. I am sad to hear about such a thing.” Sardar told media in India. The midfielder said he is ‘focused on Rio Olympics and will take legal recourse’. “I will speak to my lawyer about the issue. My focus is on Rio Games,” Sardar said. Singh also asked for time to clarify his position.

Meanwhile, Hockey India has stood firmly behind Sardar Singh, saying they would lend all help possible to the hockey captain to fight his case. A spokesperson told a news channel that the controversy would not affect Singh’s captaincy of the Indian team.

The woman, an Indian origin Britisher who is a hockey player as well in the UK and met Sardar during the 2012 London Olympics. She filed a complaint on February 1 at the Kum Kalan Police Station in the Ludhiana city.

“I have been in a relationship with Sardar Singh for last four years. I have been engaged to him for last two years. After engagement, Sardar forced me to be in a physical relationship on the terms that we are going to get married,” the complainant told reporters in India.

“Our relationship developed and within a year of 2015 he got me pregnant. After consulting with Sardar on this matter, he refused to speak to me and was adamant that I should abort the child right away,” she added.

The complainant further said that after Sardar forced her to abort the child following which she returned to UK and consulted her family.

“I was left with no other option but to abort this child against my will. After this matter, Sardar abandoned me, he doesn’t speak to me, has no contacts with me. He actually denied the fact that I am his fiance when it is a world known matter,” she said.

“After being physically and mentally harassed by Sardar Singh, as a woman it’s not fair that I should take this abuse and not just by him but by his elder brother as well as him,” she added.

She also said that she has filed an FIR. Meanwhile, Sardar’s family members have alleged the entire episode to be a conspiracy to malign his image and ruin his career.

A formal complaint in the case would be registered following a preliminary investigation.

The woman is reportedly flying back to the UK after filing the complaint and says her family is with her in the steps she has taken against Sardar, said report.

“The British High Commission advised me to go to India and take up the case. My parents are in the UK. They are supporting me and are always there with me,” said a report quoting her.