A new legal storm has erupted over Prithvi Shaw as the Indian cricketer has finally broken his silence on the molestation complaint filed against him by social media influencer Sapna Gill. In a strongly worded reply submitted to a Mumbai court, Prithvi Shaw has described the case as false, sad and motivated by personal vendetta and publicity motives.
In a detailed written reply submitted to a Mumbai court on Tuesday, the out-of-favour batsman from the Indian team rejected all the allegations leveled against him and claimed that the complaint was a deliberate attempt to damage his image and attract public attention, The Times of India reported.
Prithvi Shaw finally responds in court, calls molestation case false and vindictive
Shaw has told the Mumbai court that the complaint has caused serious damage to his reputation and mental peace. The Mumbai batsman said that the allegations are not only baseless but were made to settle scores following an earlier criminal case filed against Gill in 2023.
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This controversy is related to an incident that took place in a suburban hotel in Mumbai in February 2023. Gill was arrested after he was accused of physically assaulting Shaw during an argument that allegedly started over taking a selfie. A case was registered against him.
However, Gill managed to obtain bail. After his release the case took a new turn. Gill approached the Andheri airport police station and lodged a complaint accusing Shaw, his friend Ashish Yadav and others of molesting her and outraging her dignity.
Police denies FIR, Mumbai court orders fresh investigation in Prithvi Shaw case
After examining the details, the police refused to register an FIR saying that no offense was made out based on the facts available. She was not convinced by this decision. Later, Gill moved the magistrate’s court and sought direction to the police to file an FIR.
Even before the court, the police stuck to their earlier assessment. After hearing both the sides, the magistrate ordered a fresh investigation under Section 202 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to examine whether there were sufficient grounds to proceed further.
Gill then challenged the order by filing a revision petition before a sessions court in April 2024 through his lawyer Ali Kashif Khan. Till now Shaw has not filed a formal response in this matter.
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Prithvi Shaw denies molestation allegations, accuses influencer of taking revenge
In his reply submitted this week, Prithvi Shaw accused Gill of misusing legal provisions and turning the issue into a personal war. He claimed that this complaint was filed purely to avenge the previous FIR registered against him.
Shaw also alleged that the case was meant to extort money, gain publicity and put pressure on him by dragging his name into a serious controversy, which has deeply affected him both personally and professionally.
However, Gill’s side has completely rejected Shaw’s claims. His lawyer has argued that Shaw’s response does not provide any clear evidence or solid reason to refute the allegations made in the complaint. Now the court has fixed the next hearing on March 31.
Meanwhile, yesterday, in the IPL 2026 mini auction, Shaw was bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 75 lakh and he will return to the league next season.