What Harbhajan did should never be repeated: Nanavati

New Delhi, May 10: Zeecric Bureau

Just a few days before submitting his report on the slapgate incident, Justice Sudhir Nanavati, who is enquiring into the incident, said that Harbhajan Singh should be punished as the pugnacious spinner committed a level-4 offence. In an exclusive interview with Zeenews Justice Nanavati said that physical assault is a grave offence and board should set an example before the upcoming cricketers.

On being asked whether Sreesanth would also be booked for provoking Harbhajan during the course of the match, he said that he had nothing to do with that issue. “Board has asked me to investigate the episode in which Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth. I have nothing to do with other on-field issues.”

He also made it clear that he only watched that footage where Harbhajan Singh was seen slapping Sreesanth. “I have watched only that footage and it was shocking. I didn’t feel the need to watch the entire match.”

“After having discussed with Harbhajan and Sreesanth, I got what I needed to submit a detailed report on the matter.” He also informed that he talked to match referee Farokh Engineer as well as on-field umpire Amish Saheba, who gave statement in the media that Sreesanth was also to be blamed for provoking Harbhajan, only to deny the same after BCCI served him a showcause notice.

Though prima facie it seemed that a strong report against the ace spinner would be submitted to the board, Justice Nanavati expressed concern over the career of Harbhajan. “I am really concerned over his future. But we can’t help because he has committed a serious offence”

On being asked if he took into consideration Lalchand Rajput’s behaviour on the day, Nanavati said, “I have all the evidence for the investigation. I have talked to the players and do not feel the need to talk to Lalchand Rajput. Rajput being punished is not a part of my investigation”.

Nanavati however agreed that the incident was a scar on the face of cricket.

“As a cricket lover I would say that this should not have happened and all the precautionary measures should be taken to ensure these things do not happen in future.”