Batsman Returns, With Thugs: Former Indian Bowler And Delhi Selector Assaulted For ‘Not Choosing Player’ 

A group of youths assaulted former Indian fast bowler and the current chairman of selectors for Delhi Amit Bhandari at the St Stephen’s College ground in Delhi on Monday (11 February), the Times of India reports.

According to officials of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), Bhandari was attacked “for not selecting a player named Anuj Dedha" in the Delhi U-23 team.

Amit Bhandari and other selectors were watching Delhi seniors in a practice match ahead of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament when the group of boys beat him. The security guards along with a few players were able to catch the assaulters. Anuj and his brother Naresh were arrested.

The 40-year-old selector was then taken to the Sant Parmanand Hospital and received four stitches on his head. According to witnesses, 10 to 12 assaulters came to the ground with iron rods, hockey sticks and a revolver. When fellow selectors tried to stop them, the group told them to stay or risk getting shot.

"We have registered a case of attempt to commit culpable homicide, criminal intimidation against the two men. Efforts are being made to track down the other culprits," DCP, North, Nupur Prasad said.

According to Anuj Dedha’s family, he went to meet Bhandari to request a spot in the team. Bhandari turned him down and asked Anuj to leave, which led to an argument and Bhandari allegedly attacked Anuj, prompting him to call his friends. Further, his family claims that Anuj was assaulted by the security guards afterwards and admitted to the Aruna Asaf Ali Hospital.