Rape-Accused Abhishek Porel Breaks Down In Tears, Reacts After Ranji Trophy 100

Abhishek Porel celebrating his Ranji Trophy century on October 12.© PTI

Bengal wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel struck an unbeaten century for his side in an ongoing Ranji Trophy Group C match against Delhi on Monday. After scoring the ton, the southpaw broke down in tears on the ground. Speaking to reporters at the end of the day's play, the batter opened up about his reaction and also broke his silence on the alleged rape case. "I didn't want to cry; it came automatically. My celebration was a statement that I don't want to say anything. I just want to play cricket. I want to answer everyone through cricket," Porel said.

"I have seen how to survive in a different world, a different universe. I have taken a lot of positive things from there, which have made me mentally tougher. Each day, each minute, each second, the way I spent them constantly reminded me while batting that I won't answer with my mouth, I will answer with my bat," he added.

Resuming their first innings on Monday after bowling out Delhi for 240 on Sunday, Bengal reached 304 for three in 79 overs at stumps, with Gharami (122 not out off 221 balls) and Porel (114 not out off 161 balls) sharing an unbroken 199-run stand for the fourth wicket.

What are the allegations against Abhishek Porel?

A young medical student from Karnataka lodged a complaint against Porel at Mogra Police Station on June 23, alleging that the two had been in a relationship for around three-and-a-half years and had planned to get married.

The woman also alleged that the two had travelled abroad together, but that Porel later denied their relationship, following which she approached the police.

According to the complaint, the two had a dispute around a year and a half ago, which led to police intervention, but no complaint was filed at that time.

Following the June complaint, police launched an investigation, and teams visited Porel's residence in Chandannagar several times but could not find him there.

The woman subsequently approached the Calcutta High Court, following which the court directed the police to arrest Porel on July 20. The court proceedings also involved allegations of criminal intimidation and other offences, apart from the rape allegation.

Abhishek is currently out on bail.

(With agency inputs)

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