Photos, videos cited by police in FIR against Brij Bhushan in wrestlers' case

New Delhi: Delhi Police chargesheet against Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh cites photographic evidence in at least four of the six complaints by women wrestlers and video evidence in at least three instances of alleged sexual harassment.

For the alleged sexual harassment, assault, and stalking of six female wrestlers, police filed a 1,500-page chargesheet against Singh on Thursday. The hearing is scheduled for June 22, Indian Express reported.

Since the minor complainant recanted her statements before a magistrate, police also filed a cancellation report in the POCSO Act case against Singh.

The six wrestlers' testimonies, the statements of 70–80 witnesses, and technical evidence including pictures, videos, and call detail records are all included in the charge sheet. According to sources, the police have used image and video evidence for backing the complaints.

“We have mentioned each complaint separately in the chargesheet since the six wrestlers stated multiple incidents in their complaints. For each complaint, we have cited corroborating witnesses, photos or videos. Out of the six complaints, we have attached photographic evidence in four,” a senior police officer said, adding that the photographs are from different tournaments and events showing the accused and the complainants.

“They are photos from medal ceremonies, group photos and other events. Some were submitted by the wrestlers while others have been retrieved from other sources,” the officer said.

“Many of the alleged incidents cited in the complaints are from the WFI office, tournaments, camps and events. We have also found a few videos that we have attached to corroborate the allegations. Now, it is up to the court to decide the nature of the offence and punishment. We have simply put together technical evidence related to the complaints,” the officer said.

One of the wrestlers said in the FIR filed on April 28 that Singh pulled up her T-shirt and put his hand on her breast while she was on the mat "under the pretext of examining/checking my breathing."

Another wrestler said that Singh inappropriately touched her during a team photo after a competition and "forcefully held her" by the shoulder when she objected. Another wrestler who said Singh sexually harassed her as a picture was being shot made similar claims.

While the chargesheet lists the specific testimony of about 22 witnesses who, according to reports, verified the claims made by the six wrestlers, it also includes entries from CDRs and location information from multiple phones from the previous year.

Senior police officers claimed that because CDRs for earlier years were not easily accessible, they could only examine call details and phone records from the previous year.

“From the six complaints received, some have cited instances from 2012 to 2018… However, we have managed to get CDRs in four cases. The court accepts CDRs as technical evidence. We have also cited Singh’s location in a few cases,” said another officer.

To add to the charge sheet and investigation, authorities stated they will get in touch with overseas wrestling federations. 12–15 wrestlers were among the 22 witnesses who supported the complainants' claims.

According to the police, these wrestlers either presently compete in the circuit or were previously affiliated with WFI. Coaches, referees, travellers, and physiotherapists are among the other participants.

These wrestlers, according to the police, are either presently competing or were previously affiliated with WFI. Coaching staff, referees, travellers, and physiotherapists are among the others.

Vinod Tomar, Singh's aide, has also been charged with alleged abetment, intimidation and sexual harassment.