WFI chief amid sexual harassment row alleges industrialists, Congress behind protest

New Delhi: Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh insisted that he was innocent and "ready to face an investigation" a day after two FIRs were filed against him in response to claims of sexual harassment. He further said that the recent rallies by prominent wrestlers at Jantar Mantar were orchestrated by the Congress party and a few industrialists.

“Resignation is not a big deal but I am not a criminal. If I resign, it will mean that I have accepted their (wrestlers’) allegations. My tenure is almost over,” he said.

He made his comments the day after solicitor general Tushar Mehta informed the Supreme Court that an FIR would be filed against Singh as a result of new protests from the top wrestlers in the nation.

“I am ready to cooperate with the investigative agency. I have full faith in the judiciary and I respect the order of the Supreme Court,” the BJP leader told reporters on Saturday. He stated that the election to choose the next WFI chief had already been organised by a three-member committee and will take place in 45 days.

He went on to say that the majority of the wrestlers in Haryana supported him adding, “Every day they (wrestlers) are coming with new demands. They demanded an FIR, FIR was registered and now they are saying that I should be sent to jail and resign from all posts. I am an MP because of the people of my constituency and not because of Vinesh Phogat.”

Following the hearing in the Supreme Court, the Delhi Police on Friday filed two formal complaints (FIRs) against Brij Bhushan: one for violating the strict POCSO Act and another for outraging a woman's modesty. The DCP stated that both FIRs are being investigated "in right earnest."

The wrestlers, who have been protesting against the WFI president at Jantar Mantar since April 23, declared they would keep protesting there till Singh was taken into custody.