Olympians, a gold medallist, an international referee among those who testify against Bhushan in FIR

New Delhi: As pressure is mounting over the Central government to take action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and a BJP MP amid the revelation of allegations made in the FIR filed by the Delhi Police, allegations of sexual harassment, groping, demanding sexual favours in exchange for professional assistance, molestation, and intimidation were corroborated by multiple witnesses, including Olympians, a Commonwealth gold medallist, an international referee, and a state-level coach.

Delhi Police, following the registration of two FIRs on April 28, have been meticulously investigating the matter, having recorded statements from 125 potential witnesses across four states. A Special Investigation Team (SIT), comprising women police personnel, has been formed to delve into the allegations. The SIT is expected to submit a comprehensive report to the court upon completing its investigation.

Among the witnesses, the coach of one of the complainants disclosed that the wrestler had informed him just hours after the incident occurred about Singh's advances. Furthermore, two women wrestlers, including an Olympian and a Commonwealth medallist, have verified the claims made by two wrestlers, stating that they were informed about the incidents of harassment by Singh approximately a month after they took place.

The Delhi Police have sought details from the WFI regarding individuals present at a tournament where the alleged sexual harassment incidents unfolded. They have also obtained the report of the Oversight Committee, headed by renowned boxer Mary Kom, which was established to investigate the complaints against Singh.

During the course of the investigation, Singh has been questioned twice by the SIT, where he vehemently denied any involvement, claiming that he was falsely implicated. Additionally, WFI secretary Vinod Tomar has been questioned for several hours.

A source close to the investigation revealed that out of the 158 individuals identified by the SIT, statements have been recorded from 125 witnesses across Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Karnataka. Impressively, four of these witnesses have corroborated the allegations made by the three female wrestlers in their statements.

The situation has garnered significant attention, with prominent wrestlers like Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat staging a protest at Jantar Mantar since April 23. These celebrated athletes have demanded Singh's arrest, vowing to end their protest only once justice is served.