FIR alleges Brij Bhushan of touching breasts, groping, seeking sexual favours from women wrestlers

New Delhi: The official complaint filed by the protesting wrestlers alleged that the President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and a BJP Member of Parliament had made persistent sexual advancement towards multiple women wrestlers.

The allegations against Brij Bhushan include touching women wrestlers under the pretext of checking their breathing, groping, engaging in sexual conversations, seeking sexual favours while offering the federation's support, and rubbing his hands over a minor girl's breast, as well as stalking her.

One of the wrestlers also complained that Bhushan sought sexual favours and promised to help her buy nutritional supplements, as well as an unknown edible not approved by her dietitian or coach, claiming it would be beneficial for her health and performance.

According to Wrestler 3's complaint, she was subjected to unwanted advances and indecent behaviour by Singh. On the day she won a gold medal at a major championship, Singh called her to his room under the pretence of congratulating her but instead forcibly hugged her without her consent.

This incident deeply traumatized the wrestler, who confided in a senior wrestler and her mother about Singh's advances. Despite seeking help, no action was taken, and Singh continued to harass her by repeatedly contacting her and offering to buy nutritional supplements in exchange for sexual favours.

The allegations against Singh gained significant momentum when two other wrestlers, Wrestler 1 and Wrestler 2, came forward with complaints of sexual harassment. They accused Singh of inappropriately touching them during tournaments, warm-ups, and even within the premises of the WFI office. Wrestler 2 further alleged that Singh lifted her training jersey without consent and touched her breasts and stomach under the guise of checking her breathing pattern.

These serious allegations have raised concerns about the safety and well-being of female wrestlers within the wrestling community in India. Several prominent athletes, including Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phoghat, had previously protested at Jantar Mantar, urging action against Singh. They expressed their dissatisfaction with the response from the sports ministry's Oversight Committee, which was established to investigate the allegations.

The wrestlers' complaints prompted the Supreme Court's intervention, leading to the registration of two First Information Reports (FIRs), including one under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. However, the wrestlers expressed frustration with the police's handling of the case, which further fuelled their protests.

In a recent incident, the wrestlers were detained and manhandled by the Delhi Police during a demonstration, prompting the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to issue a statement condemning the treatment and calling for an unbiased criminal investigation into the allegations.

Singh has vehemently denied all allegations, dismissing them as a political conspiracy. Nevertheless, the seriousness of the accusations, along with the support of fellow wrestlers and the IOC, underscores the urgency of a comprehensive investigation to ensure justice for the victims and a safe environment for women athletes.

As the investigations continue, it is crucial that the concerns and well-being of the athletes remain a priority. The IOC has emphasized the need for a speedy and impartial investigation, urging the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to protect the athletes throughout the process.

The findings of the Oversight Committee, led by former World Champion boxer Mary Kom, are eagerly awaited, as they hold the potential to shed light on the extent of the issue and provide recommendations for preventing such incidents in the future.