Missing bats a concocted story?

After Irish cricketer files police complaint saying his kit was misplaced following Sunday's match, police narrate an altogether different version that puts the complainant in a tight spot regarding the facts

Missing bats a concocted story?

Mind you: Karnataka State Cricket Association officials allegedly warned
Niall O'Brien that it would complain to the ICC about his unruly behaviour
in the dressing room. Pic/Getty Images

However, upon enquiry, the Cubbon Park police were left with a different version which put the complainant in a tight spot. "O'Brien repeatedly expressed his anger after being run-out and losing the match and broke the glass doors of the dressing room. When Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) officials warned that they will take up the matter with the ICC, O'Brien 'cooked up' the missing bats story and filed a complaint," said a police official involved in the investigations.

'Almost impossible'
Police officials said that with over 2,500 policemen and private security guards in and around the Chinnaswamy stadium, no outsider could have possibly entered the dressing room area and walked away with the kit.

However, they said that a probe would be initiated and presently they have not ruled out O'Brien's complaint. "The complaint has been recorded and a detailed investigation will follow. If O'Brien is found playing a prank, then action will be initiated against him for misleading the police," said a senior cop at the Cubbon Park police station.

While ACP (law and order) T Suneel Kumar said, "A complaint has been filed by O'Brien and we have also been informed by KSCA officials that the Irish team was involved in some unruly behavior in the dressing room after the Sunday match." DCP G Ramesh said that they were currently investigating the case.

'We don't know'
KSCA spokesperson Sujith Somasundar told MiD DAY that the Association was not aware of the incident of stolen bats. He said, "If any theft has occurred at the stadium, it needs to be brought to the notice of the KSCA before filing a complaint, following which we in turn will lodge a complaint with the police. In this case, O'Brien has not informed us about lost baggage, so I can't comment without complete information."
Despite repeated attempts, the Irish team manager remained unavailable for comment.

Not the 1st time
This is the second incident where an international cricketer has lost his valuables at the Chinnaswamy stadium.

It may be recalled that former Indian test team captain Anil Kumble lost his mobile phones, cash, personal diary, cameras and various other items in July last year.
u00a0
However, the case has come to a dead end, as the police were unable to trace the items so far.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels