New Delhi: The Delhi Police have reportedly invoked Sections 506, 354, 354A, and 354D of the Indian Penal Code against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), on charges of sexual harassment, molestation, and stalking. The chargesheet also emphasized that Singh's harassment was "repeated and continuing" in one of the cases.
According to the chargesheet, the Delhi Police conducted a thorough investigation, speaking to 108 witnesses, including wrestlers, coaches, and referees. Of these witnesses, 15 corroborated the allegations made by the six top wrestlers who filed complaints against Singh.
The chargesheet further reveals that in two cases, Singh has been booked under Sections 354, 354A, and 354D, while the remaining four cases fall under Sections 354 and 354A, which carry a prison term of up to five years. The police have requested the court to summon Singh and the witnesses for trial.
The complaints by the wrestlers detail a total of 15 incidents of sexual harassment, including inappropriate touching and instances of intimidation and stalking. The chargesheet provides specific accounts and corroborative statements from witnesses related to each wrestler's allegations.
In the case of Wrestler 1, she recounted incidents where Singh touched her inappropriately on her palm, knee, thighs, and shoulders without her consent. Furthermore, he allegedly placed his hand on her breast and slid it down her stomach on the pretext of checking her breathing. Witnesses, including wrestlers, substantiated her claims, stating that they witnessed Singh's inappropriate behaviour.
Wrestler 2's complaint describes an incident where Singh forcibly pulled up her T-shirt, touched her breast, and slid his hand down her stomach while claiming to check her breathing. Witnesses, including her brother and husband, testified to her visibly upset demeanour after leaving Singh's office.
Wrestler 3 accused Singh of forcefully hugging her without her permission and attempting to bribe her with supplements in exchange for sexual favours. Witnesses, including her mother and fellow wrestlers, corroborated her allegations, supporting her account of the incident and the subsequent repeated calls made by Singh.
Similar corroboration was found in the accounts of Wrestler 5 and Wrestler 6, with witnesses including referees and coaches validating the victims' claims of inappropriate touching and advances made by Singh.
Singh, who was unavailable for comment, denied all allegations during questioning by the Delhi Police, claiming he had never met the wrestlers and did not possess their contact information.
The chargesheet and the supporting statements of witnesses serve as a crucial step toward achieving justice for the victims and reinforcing the need for a safe and respectful environment within sports organizations.