Chargesheet from the Delhi Police alleges that WFI Chief Brij Bhushan molested top wrestlers in India: Report

The Delhi police charged Brij Bhushan Singh, the departing president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), with sexually harassing and molesting some of the greatest wrestlers in the nation. Singh is scheduled to appear before a trial court in Delhi today. The chargesheet used technical and supporting evidence, such as witness accounts and pictures, to demonstrate the same.

On January 18, wrestlers initially competed against Singh and a number of trainers from the organization that governs their sport on the streets of New Delhi. The wrestlers were led by Olympic bronze medalists Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia. They said Singh had harassed female athletes sexually.

The six-time BJP MP is accused of violating Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 354 (assault or criminal force with intent to insult modesty), 354 A (sexual harassment), and 354 D (stalking). In response to a summons filed against them, Brij Bhushan and another suspect, Vinod Tomar, will appear in court in Delhi today.

specifics of the charging sheet
Based on the accusations of six wrestlers, the Delhi Police said in their 1,082-page chargesheet that Singh is “liable to be prosecuted and punished for offences” of sexual harassment, molestation, and stalking. It continues, “Accused may please be summoned to face trial and witnesses named in the list of witnesses appended with the chargesheet may be called for their examination along with documents mentioned with their names.”

The chargesheet included a description of the claims as well as photographic evidence of Singh’s attendance at some of the allegedly molested locations. According to a report by Hindustan Times, it also offered evidence to demonstrate that Singh is guilty of sexual harassment and molestation and that he did not even spare some of the greatest wrestlers in the nation.

prejudice on the oversight panel?
In the meanwhile, wrestlers said Singh was unfairly targeted by the oversight group that looked into the sexual harassment claims and was chaired by the famed Indian boxer MC Mary Kom. They voiced concern that their testimony may not have been captured completely or that it could have been altered to protect the accused.

Singh and WFI Assistant Secretary Tomar had both complied with the law by participating in the inquiry, according to Delhi police, who had provided a defense for not detaining the suspects. “Results of digital/electronic devices and exhibits seized and deposited with the concerned Forensic Labs are still pending and will be reported through additional police reports,” the statement reads. The police said in the charge sheet that the analysis of the requisitioned CDRs, etc., as determined suitable for the purpose of prosecution, should also be supplied promptly.