December 17, 2025:
Indian cricketer Prithvi Shaw has formally responded to the long-running Sapna Gill “selfie row” case, strongly denying all allegations of molestation and branding them as “false, frivolous, and vexatious.” In a detailed reply filed before a Mumbai sessions court on Tuesday, Shaw accused the social media influencer of pursuing a personal vendetta against him through legal misuse.
The court filing comes at a crucial phase in Shaw’s professional career, just days after he was picked up by Delhi Capitals for ₹75 lakh at the IPL 2026 Auction.
Shaw Alleges “Personal Vendetta” and Misuse of Law
In his written submission, Prithvi Shaw alleged that Sapna Gill is deliberately misusing the legal system and “playing the womanhood card” to settle scores. He described Gill’s revision petition as a counterblast to the FIR that was registered against her in 2023 based on his complaint.
Shaw’s legal team argued that the influencer is attempting to exploit his celebrity status for publicity and financial gain, calling the allegations an attempt to harass, defame, and extort him.
The cricketer maintained that the accusations were fabricated and driven purely by malice rather than facts.
How the ‘Selfie Row’ Controversy Began
The dispute traces back to February 2023, following an incident at a luxury hotel in suburban Mumbai.
Key Events in the Case
- Initial Trigger: The argument reportedly began when Shaw refused to take multiple selfies with Sapna Gill and her friends.
- Escalation: Shaw alleged that Gill’s group attacked his car with a baseball bat and demanded ₹50,000 to settle the matter.
- Police Action: Based on Shaw’s complaint, Gill was arrested on charges of extortion and rioting, before later being released on bail.
- Counter Allegations: After her release, Gill accused Shaw of molestation and outraging her modesty, first approaching the police and later the magistrate’s court.
Police Probe and Court Observations
During the inquiry, Mumbai Police informed the magistrate that no cognizable offence was found against Prithvi Shaw. Instead of directing an FIR, the magistrate ordered a preliminary inquiry under Section 202 of the CrPC.
Unhappy with this decision, Gill filed a revision petition in April 2024, challenging the magistrate’s order. Shaw, who was earlier fined ₹100 for delayed submission, has now formally replied, requesting the court to dismiss the revision plea with compensatory costs.
Opposition Response and Next Hearing
Sapna Gill’s lawyer, Ali Kaashif Khan, rejected Shaw’s claims, stating that the cricketer’s reply contains “not a single iota of evidence or alibi.”
The Dindoshi sessions court has scheduled the next hearing for March 31, 2026, where both sides are expected to present final arguments.
As Shaw prepares for a fresh start in the IPL, the case continues to loom large, with the court set to decide whether Gill’s allegations merit further legal action.
