Deepak, State President of December 3 Movement, an NGO for people with disabilities had to go through something that left him dismayed, shocked by the way he was treated.
The 39-year-old professor was eager to experience a cricket match live at a stadium for the first time in his life but how he was treated that day was very heartbreaking.
Deepak told a news portal that “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, retrofitted 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.”
He also spoke about the insensitive behavior he had to go through to watch the match. He asked a question by saying “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?”
Deepak shared a video which shows an argument between him and the police officers on his Facebook and Twitter posts. In the video, while one police officer is seen telling him to move his vehicle immediately, the other one is helping him into the car.
He wrote about the incident in a Facebook post where he told that a constable was patiently explaining to him but an Assistant Commissioner who was sitting in a jeep started to yell at him.
He wrote in the post 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)”
Deepak told a news portal “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.”
However, the ACP refuted and said that it was a slight misunderstanding as they wanted him to be safe and he was driving downs one way so they advised him saying that there is an easier route. They also requested him later saying they would guide him but he refused their advice.
Check video:
@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
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