Man threatens to end his life if IND vs ENG T20I series is not cancelled

In a very freakish incident, a man threatened to set himself on fire in case the ongoing India vs England five-match T20I series was not called off. It was actually a bizarre warning and the police has launched an investigation to address the matter after the man himself called a police inspector who is a part of the security arrangement for the T20I series in Ahmedabad. The five-match T20I series between India and England kickstarted on March 12 and the first two games witnessed huge crowds at the Narendra Modi Stadium. However, amidst the rise of COVID-19 cases in Gujrat, the Gujrat Cricket Association (GCA) confirmed that the last 3 T20Is will be played without the spectators.

IND vs ENG: Will the T20I series get cancelled?

The man who called up the police inspector wanted the entire series to be cancelled amidst the rising COVID-19 cases. As per the police, an FIR has been lodged at the Chandkheda police station in Ahmedabad after the person revealing himself as Pankaj Patel from Gandhinagar called up senior police inspector KV Patel on March 12. During the last week, an audio clip of the suspicious conversation between the caller and the police inspector went viral on the social media.

In the audio recording, Pankaj was heard asking the officer whether the COVID-19 related protocols issued by the state government were being followed by the audience at the stadium. After the inspector purportedly said that the social-distancing norms are not being maintained, the man demanded to cancel the series or he will end his life by immolating himself. Pankaj also abused Gujrat Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister while expressing his disappointment on the breach of protocols in the stadium. The Police have booked the accused under IPC sections 505 (2) for trying to promote enmity, hatred, or ill will between classes, 504 for intentional insult, and 507 for criminal intimidation through anonymous communication.

“The man had called on my cell phone on March 12 and threatened to immolate himself if the matches are held. He also used abusive words for the Gujarat government, the Chief Minister, and the Deputy Chief Minister. When I asked his name, he told me he is Pankaj Patel from Gandhinagar. I immediately called up Gandhinagar police control room and shared his phone number with the officials,” K V Patel stated in the FIR, according to Indian Express.

India aiming to make a comeback with ENG vs IND T20I series on the line

Team India are currently trailing 1-2 in the five-match T20I series after the visiting England side thumped the Men in Blue by 8 wickets in the 3^rd T20I. India will be aiming to make a comeback in the fourth T20I match starting on March 18 in order to keep the series alive.

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