Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Feb 20: It is alleged that Canute Fernandes, co-owner of Maestro Titans Cricket Team, which is one of the franchises in Mangaluru Premier League (MPL), has reportedly defamed an NRI woman on social media.
As per the complainant, in a Facebook post, Canute had mentioned that her husband was an 'alcoholic' who had 'deserted' her. He had also alleged that the woman is known for 'blackmailing' people for the sake of money. This Facebook post had reached the close friends of the complainant as Canute had tagged it.
Speaking to Daijiworld, the NRI woman said that Canute had defamed her on social media by claiming she was abandoned by her husband, while in fact that she did not have any marital problems. She said that the post hurt her as well as her husband and family members in Mangaluru and elsewhere.
Canute Fernandes
The woman has requested the police to take strict action against Canute so that, in future, no one would dare to defame any dignified woman to settle personal scores. She has said that as Canute is facing criminal charges, he cannot hide behind other issues to divert attention.
On the basis of the complaint filed by the NRI woman, Kadri police registered a FIR on February 16 under Section 506 of the IPC. Daijiworld is in possession of the copy of the FIR.
It may be recalled that Canute had allegedly duped Francis Rudolph Pinto, a resident of Nanthoor, to the tune of Rs 19.61 lac in a deal concerning a flat. Rudolf Pinto had filed a complaint regarding this at JMFC Court in the city under Sections 406 and 420 of IPC. The court had taken cognizance of the case and issued summons. Daijiworld is also in possession of the court papers of this case.
Hearing is scheduled later this week in the JMFC court.
Cricket fans around Mangaluru have expressed their surprise and disappointment at these developments. They questioned as to how a person facing criminal charges was allowed to be part of Mangaluru Premier League as team co-owner, which is scheduled to start on March 6. "Those who involve in cheating case and also do not know how to respect women, should not be allowed to participate in prestigious cricket tournaments. This will tarnish the dignity of the entire league," said a cricket fan.