Delhi police has finally filed a chargesheet against BJP MP and WFI chief Brij Bhshan Sharan Singh for sexually harassing women wrestlers. Growing global criticism seems to have forced government’s hand as legal proceedings against him are set rolling., writes Mudit Mathur
The Delhi police finally filed a chargesheet against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for sexually harassing, using criminal force to outrage modesty and stalking women wrestlers, under sections 354A, 354 and 354D of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
It has also submitted a report in court under section 173 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.PC), requesting for cancellation of the case filed against him under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Offences under all these Sections are bailable as it does not provide punishment for more than five years.
Charges have also been filed against WFI assistant secretary, Vinod Tomar for molestation, sexual harassment and criminal intimidation who has been a close aide of Bhushan. Chargesheet cites corroboration of wrestlers’ complaints by colleagues, coaches and others as main evidence as old electronic data of more than a year back is not retrievable.
The chargesheet contains detailed statements of the six women wrestlers who complained against Bhushan have been corroborated by more than four other wrestlers and coaches, and comes after examination of over 200 witnesses, including, trainers, participants, event organisers and members of the federation.
The signs of climbdown of Modi government appeared during the meeting of wrestlers with Union sports minister, Anurag Thakur who indicated to prosecute its member of parliament and erstwhile Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for the serious allegations of sexual harassment levelled by Medal-winning seven wrestlers including a minor led by celebrity Olympians–Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia.
The reconciliation moves to break the deadlock came in wake of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s upcoming official US visit amid harsh diplomatic reactions and growing criticism of international sports bodies, besides adverse reactions witnessed across the country and abroad over the confrontational approach of the government in dealing with the agitating super star women Olympians’ wrestlers, who brought laurels and pride to the Nation.
Thakur, who held a meeting with the protesting wrestlers for six hours on June 7, assured them that the investigation against Singh would conclude and chargesheet would also be filed by June 15. He promised them that a new WFI chief would be elected by June 30. The wrestlers have suspended their protest until June 15, but have warned the government that they would resume their protests if their demands are not met.
