Former Indian footballer detained by Kashmir police when trying to visit ailing mother

Former Indian footballer Mehrajuddin Wadoo, who is currently the assistant coach at Indian Super League (ISL) franchise Hyderabad FC, was detained by Jammu & Kashmir police on Saturday morning for trying to visit his ailing mother.

The 36-year-old got to know that his ailing mother was in critical condition. Naturally, he rushed to see her but was stopped near Badshah Chowk bridge by the police and was subsequently taken into custody. When Wadoo informed the police officer in charge of his sick mother, the personel apparently replied, “If your mother is dying, let her die.”

In a Facebook post, Wadoo wrote, “This morning, (I) received a call about my mother’s illness. Heard she is very critical. I rushed to see her but was stopped at the Badshah Chowk bridge and taken to the police custody. (I) spoke to the police office in charge but what he did and said was shocking to hear, ‘If your mother is dying, let her die.’ These were the words from the officer in charge there.”

Wadoo's Facebook post (Source: Facebook)

He further added, “Yes, why would you care? But what about the constable who started abusing me without any reason? They took my car and my phone, I was not allowed to use my phone for 2 hours. Finally, they let me make a phone call and I was released.”

“The Jammu & Kashmir police have to respect people like us who have contributed to the state and country for many, many years,” he concluded.

Wadoo was quite a celebrated footballer during his playing days. He enjoyed a career spanning almost 17 years, and has the distinction of having played for all three big clubs of Kolkata maidan — East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting. He was also an integral part of the national team at a time when India had begun to resurge under Bob Houghton. Wadoo also won the ISL title with Chennaiyin FC and turned out for Mumbai City FC before hanging up his boots.