Lucknow, 7 May: Brij Bhushan Singh, the head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), has been accused of sexual harassment and intimidation by female wrestlers and has threatened to hang himself if even one complaint against him is proven.
Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and other notable wrestlers in India are organising a new sit-in protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
“I will hang myself if even one allegation against me is proven. Because the situation is being handled by the Delhi Police, I won’t be able to go into great detail. I’ve been stating this since the beginning if these wrestlers have any footage or proof against me. You should question anybody involved with wrestling, Is Brij Bhushan Ravana?” In the video, he can be heard stating.
“Aside from these wrestlers (who are protesting), ask anyone if I did anything wrong. I have dedicated 11 years of my life to wrestling and to this country,” the WFI president stated.
Wrestlers have claimed that the government has been slow to release the findings of the committee constituted to investigate the claims against Brij Bhushan Singh. The protesting wrestlers also want the WFI president to be fired.
They are also upset that WFI has resumed operations despite the current investigation. The Delhi Police consented to file a FIR on the allegation of seven female wrestlers (including a minor) on April 28 after the Supreme Court intervened. It was dubbed the wrestlers’ “first victory in the quest for justice.”
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was the subject of two FIRs filed at the Connaught Place Police Station. The first FIR concerns claims made by a minor victim and is filed under the POCSO Act, as well as applicable IPC laws including outraging modesty, etc.
While hearing an urgent petition on the case, the Supreme Court found that the filing of FIRs suited the aim of the protesting grapplers’ petition.
The court also denied the petitioner’s request for a court-monitored investigation. Brij Bhushan Singh, a BJP MP, has often stated that he is innocent and will help with any investigation because he believes in the court system and the investigative authorities.
Singh has also stated that the demonstration was part of a plot to smear his reputation. “You won’t find justice at Jantar Mantar. You must go to the police and the court if you want justice. They had never done it before. Just continued to abuse. Whatever the court decides, we will accept,” he added.
Meanwhile, security has been increased at Jantar Mantar and around Delhi’s borders in response to two farmers’ organisations declaring trips to the venue on Sunday and Monday. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha declared on Saturday that it will organise national rallies in support of wrestlers who are opposing Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
According to sources, the Delhi Police has made extensive security precautions near Jantar Mantar and the city’s neighbouring districts ahead of the visit. A top Delhi Police officer informed that during the delegation’s visit to Jantar Mantar, strict security measures will be put in place.
