In a significant development, a Delhi court has directed the framing of charges against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, in connection with sexual harassment allegations raised by women wrestlers.
The decision, issued on Friday at the Rouse Avenue court, is based on the finding of “sufficient evidence” to proceed with the charges.
This ruling comes shortly after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) opted not to nominate Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who represents Uttar Pradesh’s Kaiserganj constituency, as their candidate in the upcoming elections. Instead, the party has nominated his son, Karan Bhushan Singh, to contest from the constituency.
The court has directed the framing of charges against the former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh under Sections 354 (outraging a woman’s modesty), 354-A (sexual harassment), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The Delhi Police had filed a chargesheet last year on June 15, including an additional section – 354D (stalking).
Additionally, the court has ordered the framing of charges against Vinod Tomar, a former assistant secretary of the Wrestling Federation, under Section 506 (criminal intimidation).
This legal proceeding underscores the gravity of the allegations and signifies a step forward in addressing the allegations of sexual harassment within the sporting community.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is a prominent figure in Indian wrestling and politics, having served as the former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India and a Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh’s Kaiserganj constituency.
The allegations against Singh have highlighted broader issues of gender discrimination and misconduct within sports organizations, prompting calls for transparency, accountability, and gender equality in the management of sports bodies in India.
Notably, several wrestlers had sat on an indefinite strike to demand the ouster and arrest of Brij Bhushan Singh. Some had even returned their medals and trophies received.
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