Social media influencer Sapna Gill has filed a case in the Bombay High Court, alleging negligence on the part of seven police officers, including Mumbai Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar. She claims they failed to register an FIR (First Information Report) based on her complaint against Indian international cricketer Prithvi Shaw.

In her writ petition submitted to the Bombay High Court, Gill has urged for disciplinary measures against the seven police officers, accusing them of neglecting to file a case following her complaint against Shaw. Gill claims that Shaw molested and offended her modesty during a confrontation regarding taking selfies at a pub in suburban Andheri on February 15, 2023.

In her plea, Sapna alleges that she intervened in the altercation to defend her friend, and during the scuffle, the cricketer placed his hands on her breasts and forcibly pushed her away. Additionally, she asserts that Shaw verbally abused her, purportedly saying, “Hat Ja Madar**d R*ndi Warna Jaan Se Marduga.”

Despite her allegations, Gill was arrested by the Oshiwara Police on February 23 following the incident. She was accused of assaulting the cricketer and damaging his luxury car. Gill was granted bail on February 20 of the preceding year and has remained on bail since then.

Following her release, Gill filed a complaint against Shaw and his friend Ashish Yadav, among others, at the Airport police station in Andheri, alleging molestation and outraging her modesty. Notably, Yadav was the complainant in the case that led to Gill’s and her aides’ arrest. However, when the police did not take action on her complaint against the cricketer, Gill pursued her case in the magistrate court.

On April 3 of this year, the court directed the Santacruz police station to investigate her complaint and submit a report by June 19. Despite this, the magistrate court dismissed Gill's plea for action against the police, prompting her to escalate the matter to the High Court.

In her petition, presented by Advocate Kashil Ali Khan, Gill argued that the police officers, in their capacity as public servants, were duty-bound to register information related to cognizable offenses under section 354 (Outraging the Modesty of a Woman) of the Indian Penal Code. She emphasized that they were obligated to take appropriate action in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Lalita Kumari vs Government of Uttar Pradesh judgment.

“The respondents (police authorities) have been giving a deaf ear to the plight of the petitioner and leaving the petitioner with no other option than approaching this Hon'ble Court,” the plea said.

It was also emphasized that despite persistent efforts, the complaints lodged by Gill have remained pending for adjudication for nearly a year, leading to unjustifiable delays in dispensing justice. Gill further asserts that she has endured mental, physical, and emotional trauma and continues to suffer from the aftermath of the abuse inflicted upon her. Seeking accountability, Gill urges disciplinary action against the authorities for their failure to address her complaints despite repeated efforts. She implores the court to hold accountable the parties responsible for mishandling her case.