Activist with disability posts video of police insensitivity at Chennai's IPL match

The 39-year-old professor, who also heads the December 3 Movement NGO, shared his sour experience on social media, alleging that the police insulted and even pushed him at the venue.

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May 7 would have been a memorable day for professor TMN Deepak, State President of December 3 Movement, an NGO for people with disabilities. Deepak was eager and excited to experience a cricket match live at a stadium for the very first time in his life. The 39-year-old professor was, however, dismayed and shocked by the way that he, a person with disability, was allegedly treated by the city police.

“My brother-in-law had arranged a couple of tickets for me and my wife because I had told him that I have never been to one (a cricket match). I drive a special, retro fitted car. Even while I was trying to park my car, in order to get some clarity on a designated parking spot for persons with disabilities, I was insulted, demeaned and even pushed by the police. He used the word ‘rascal’ in front of everybody,” Deepak tells TNM.

He further speaks about the police’s insensitivity in treating a person with disability who had only wanted to enjoy the match. “What about inclusivity? Who will take responsibility for this? I did not see any IPL volunteers in the vicinity. Are the matches run by the police or by IPL?” he asks.

In his Facebook and Twitter posts, Deepak also shared a video which shows an argument between him and the police officers. While one police officer can be seen ordering him to move his vehicle immediately, there’s another who helps him into his car.

“The constable was patiently explaining to me, but the Assistant commissioner sitting in the jeep started yelling at me..." Avana po Sollu ya"....how will i be able to even ask anybody, by not going through the car? I had been rounding and rounding obliging the police but this police officer pushed .....poya....i said oonamutravar!!!! Adhuku ennaya!!!!! ,I told, am a citizen!!! Adhuku !!! Ellavanum than!!!!! (sic)” he wrote about the incident on his Facebook post.

@chennaipolice_ was not allowed to even enquire, "Is there any provision for disabled parking?". Assistant commissioner abused verbally, physically pushed me despite having a valid ticket.Should we not drive a vehicle? Should v not ask parking? R v not citizens? Prof Deepak pic.twitter.com/cQu4nqcd1Q — Deepaknathan (@Deepak_TMN) May 7, 2019

“My difficulty is that I could not get down from my car and inquire. We need to ask if the stadiums are suitable for disabled people and senior citizens. What special provisions has IPL done? We also drive scooters and cars. Chennai Corporation and Police department should have ensured parking for us,” he tells us.

Speaking to TNM, ACP of Triplicane M Shankaran says, “It was a slight misunderstanding. We only wanted for him to be safe and he was driving down one way so we advised him saying there’s a designated, easier route. They also requested him later saying they would guide him but he refused their advice. The Chepauk Road has a small gate for special entry, from Wallajah Road to Barathi Road, but not everyone might know. Sometimes in their eagerness, such things may happen.”

TNM reached out to the BCCI for a comment but we're yet to receive a response.