AGARTALA: In a shocking incident, Indian cricketer and Karnataka skipper Mayank Agarwal was rushed to a local hospital in Agartala after falling ill just before his New Delhi-bound flight. The incident has left the cricket fraternity stunned, as Agarwal, in an unexpected turn of events, lodged an official police complaint, alleging foul-play.
Agarwal, who is currently out of favor in the national team, believed to be out of danger after drinking liquid from a pouch, which he thought was water and was kept on his seat while on board with IndiGo airlines. The cricketer lodged a formal complaint through his manager, leading to an investigation by the New Capital Complex Police Station.
"Mayank Agarwal, an international cricket player. Now he is stable, and his vitals are normal. But his manager has lodged a specific complaint under NCCPS to investigate the matter," said SP West Tripura Kiran Kumar.
Agarwal's manager reported that the cricketer experienced oral irritation and swelling on his lips after consuming a liquid from a pouch in front of him on the airplane. He was immediately taken to ILS Hospital, where he had swelling and ulcers in the mouth. However, his vitals remain stable.
The state health secretary, Kiran Gitte, stated, "Police has admitted his complaint, and we will investigate as to what happened. As per his manager, he will travel tomorrow to Bengaluru, and meanwhile, whatever best treatment is available in Agartala, we will provide him."
The ILS Hospital, through their Business Development Manager Manoj Kumar Debnath, issued a press release stating that Agarwal is "clinically stable" and is being constantly monitored.
Agarwal, who led Karnataka to a 29-run victory against Tripura on Monday, is not in any immediate danger, according to a Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) official. The official mentioned that Agarwal is under observation in a hospital in Agartala, and the plan is to fly him back to Bengaluru once doctors provide an update.
However, Agarwal will not be participating in the next Ranji Trophy game against Railways in Surat. The Karnataka team is expected to be led by vice-captain Nikin Jose in the upcoming match.
IndiGo, the airline involved in the incident, issued a statement confirming the medical emergency without elaborating on the cause. "IndiGo flight 6E 5177 operating from Agartala to Delhi returned to origin due to a medical emergency onboard. The passenger was off-loaded and was rushed to the hospital for further medical assistance. The aircraft took off again for its destination at 1620h," the airline said in its press release.
The circumstances leading to Agarwal's illness are under scrutiny, with sources suggesting that he may have mistaken some other transparent liquid as water. Investigations are ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge as the situation unfolds.