A court in Delhi has dismissed a sexual harassment case filed against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, India's former wrestling federation chief, following a plea by the minor wrestler's father claiming the charges were false. However, Singh still stands accused in a separate case involving six adult female wrestlers.
Ex-Wrestling Chief Cleared in Minor’s Sexual Harassment Case
Ex-Wrestling Chief Cleared in Minor’s Sexual Harassment Case
Court accepts police recommendation to drop charges against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, although he still faces other allegations.
In a significant courtroom development, the Delhi police's report recommending the cancellation of the sexual harassment case against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has been accepted. Singh, who previously led the Wrestling Federation of India and served as a Member of Parliament with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was implicated in 2023 amid widespread protests from female wrestlers who alleged he sexually harassed them during official training camps and tournaments.
The controversy erupted after seven female wrestlers, including a minor, lodged complaints against Singh, prompting national outcry that saw Olympians like Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia detained during protests aimed at drawing attention to their allegations. The wrestlers' efforts were backed by significant media coverage and condemnation from various quarters, including the International Olympic Committee, which demanded an investigation into the matter.
Despite the uproar, Singh maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal, suggesting that the allegations were politically charged. A turning point in the case occurred when the minor wrestler later recanted her accusations, saying she had been pressured into withdrawing her statements, a claim echoed by Malik in her remarks.
The court proceedings culminated in Singh's alleged vindication as the prosecution attorney reported no corroborative evidence had emerged, and both the minor wrestler and her father expressed satisfaction with the investigation, leading to the acceptance of the police's recommendation for a case dismissal.
The fallout from these events led to Singh stepping down from his position in the wrestling federation. He was succeeded by his associate Sanjay Singh, who faced accusations of acting as a proxy leader. These issues prompted a temporary suspension of the wrestling federation by the federal sports ministry, which later resumed operations after international clearance.
In a further development, the BJP has chosen not to endorse Singh for the upcoming 2024 general elections, instead nominating his son for the constituency he has represented since 1999. The son emerged victorious in the elections, suggesting a political continuation for the Singh family amid ongoing scrutiny of the former wrestling chief's legacy and conduct.
The controversy erupted after seven female wrestlers, including a minor, lodged complaints against Singh, prompting national outcry that saw Olympians like Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia detained during protests aimed at drawing attention to their allegations. The wrestlers' efforts were backed by significant media coverage and condemnation from various quarters, including the International Olympic Committee, which demanded an investigation into the matter.
Despite the uproar, Singh maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal, suggesting that the allegations were politically charged. A turning point in the case occurred when the minor wrestler later recanted her accusations, saying she had been pressured into withdrawing her statements, a claim echoed by Malik in her remarks.
The court proceedings culminated in Singh's alleged vindication as the prosecution attorney reported no corroborative evidence had emerged, and both the minor wrestler and her father expressed satisfaction with the investigation, leading to the acceptance of the police's recommendation for a case dismissal.
The fallout from these events led to Singh stepping down from his position in the wrestling federation. He was succeeded by his associate Sanjay Singh, who faced accusations of acting as a proxy leader. These issues prompted a temporary suspension of the wrestling federation by the federal sports ministry, which later resumed operations after international clearance.
In a further development, the BJP has chosen not to endorse Singh for the upcoming 2024 general elections, instead nominating his son for the constituency he has represented since 1999. The son emerged victorious in the elections, suggesting a political continuation for the Singh family amid ongoing scrutiny of the former wrestling chief's legacy and conduct.
