On Wednesday, the Delhi Police presented its written arguments in court outlining its position on whether to press charges in the case of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and BJP Parliamentarian. The case, brought by six female wrestlers, was heard before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Harjeet Singh Jaspal at Rouse Avenue Court. The police’s submission followed the defense counsel’s arguments. The complainants had submitted their written statements on November 28, and the court scheduled the next hearing for December 20 to address any clarifications on framing charges.
Singh, along with co-accused Vinod Tomar, appeared in person before the court. The police asserted that the alleged incidents of molestation occurred at various locations in India and abroad, according to survivor and witness statements. During a previous hearing, Singh argued that non-criminal physical contact with a woman is not an offense. He also pointed out “material contradictions” in prosecution witnesses, contending that they could shift the case from “grave suspicion” to “mere suspicion.”
The charges against Singh include Sections 354 (outraging modesty), 354A (sexually coloured remarks), 354D (stalking), 506 (para 1) (criminal intimidation), and 109 (abetment to offense) of the Indian Penal Code. The case, spanning ten years, involves allegations of sexual harassment at various locations, both within and outside India. The charges against Singh were brought forth by a group of female wrestlers, leading to widespread protests supported by top Indian wrestlers, including Olympic medalists Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia.
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