Not sexually harass the minor, so no POCSO against Brij Bhushan: Delhi police in court
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New Delhi: Citing technical glitches in the age of the minor wrestler, who had earlier filed a sexual harassment complaint against the outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, the Delhi Police sought a Delhi court to cancel the case against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
In its 550-page cancellation report to the court on Thursday, the Delhi police stated that there were no instances of a minor being sexually harassed or assaulted by Brij Bhushan. The report highlighted the confusion surrounding the minor's age, as multiple birth certificates with her name were received.
After locating the original birth certificate, the police used it as evidence in the report. They concluded that the alleged offences mentioned in the complaint did not occur and lacked evidence to support them.
The complaint was filed on April 28 by the father of the 17-year-old wrestler, alleging sexual harassment, stalking, and criminal intimidation by Singh. The FIR detailed multiple incidents of inappropriate touching, harassment, molestation, and intimidation. However, on June 5, the girl retracted her allegations before the magistrate.
Despite the cancellation report, the Delhi Police filed a chargesheet against Singh and his associate Vinod Tomar on sexual harassment, stalking, and abetment charges, based on the statements of six women wrestlers. The chargesheet reportedly includes supporting evidence against Singh.
The police conducted a thorough investigation, examining over 20 witnesses whose testimonies were recorded in the report. They also analysed call detail records and gathered photos and videos from tournaments and events. However, no evidence corroborating the minor's allegations was found.
The police emphasized that the minor and her father retracted their allegations in front of the magistrate, asserting that the incident did not occur. They presented these statements as evidence to demonstrate that the allegations in the FIR were false. The final decision now lies with the court, which will review the report and determine further action.
