Court intervenes to restore security for wrestlers testifying against Brij Bhushan
PTC News Desk: On Thursday, ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat revealed that the Delhi Police had withdrawn the security cover provided to the women wrestlers set to testify in the sexual harassment case against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Concerned for their safety, the wrestlers approached a Delhi court, requesting intervention regarding the removal of their security by the authorities. Responding swiftly, the court issued an interim order directing the immediate reinstatement of security for at least one of the complainants. The court specified that this security must remain in place until her testimony is complete and further court orders are issued.
In addition to reinstating security, the court instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) to submit a detailed report explaining the reasons for the withdrawal of security from the complainants. This report is to be presented at the next court hearing to clarify the situation and ensure the safety of those involved.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police denied the allegations of removing the security cover for the women wrestlers. According to the police, the security personnel were temporarily called away for "firing and training practices," which they described as a "routine practice." The Delhi Police further clarified that the Police Support Officer (PSO) responsible for the security detail had already returned or was expected to return by the end of the day.
In response to Vinesh Phogat's concerns shared on social media, the Delhi Police stated, "There is no order for withdrawal of security. If there is any delay in the security person reaching, that is being enquired. The wrestlers are also being briefed."
The case against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh dates back to January last year, when several women wrestlers accused him of sexual harassment. Despite Singh, a former BJP MP, denying the allegations, the accusations sparked significant outrage and led to a prolonged protest by the country's top wrestlers, who demanded Singh's arrest.
The Delhi Police registered the first FIR in the case in April last year, and a chargesheet was subsequently filed in a Delhi court in June. In May of this year, the court found sufficient evidence to frame charges against Brij Bhushan Singh in five of the six cases brought against him.
As a result, the court formally charged Singh under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 354 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty) and Section 354A (sexual harassment), based on allegations from five complainants. Additionally, charges were framed under Section 506 (criminal intimidation) in two separate cases, reflecting the seriousness of the accusations against him.
- With inputs from agencies
