Former Indian Wrestling Chief Exonerated in Minor’s Sexual Assault Case
The former head of India’s wrestling federation, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, has been cleared of sexual harassment charges involving a minor female wrestler. A Delhi court accepted a police report recommending the cancellation of the case against Singh. However, he still faces separate allegations of sexual harassment and stalking from six adult female wrestlers, which he has consistently denied.
Background of the Allegations
The allegations against Singh gained significant attention in 2023, following months of protests led by India’s top wrestlers. These protests escalated when athletes attempted to march to the new parliament building in Delhi, resulting in police detaining several prominent figures, including Olympic medallists Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia. The footage of their arrest sparked widespread outrage, drawing criticism from both athletes and opposition politicians. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) also condemned the treatment of the wrestlers and called for an impartial inquiry into their claims.
The government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, faced backlash for its perceived inaction regarding Singh, who is a member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Despite the allegations, the government initially dismissed the claims. Following a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah and then Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, the wrestlers agreed to pause their protests after receiving assurances that charges would be filed against Singh by June 15, 2023.
Details of the Case
Seven female wrestlers, including the minor, filed complaints against Singh, accusing him of molestation and groping during training camps and tournaments. In the case involving the minor, the police invoked the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. Singh has consistently denied all allegations, suggesting that the wrestlers were politically motivated in their claims.
In a surprising turn of events, the minor later retracted her statements and withdrew her allegations. Wrestler Sakshi Malik expressed concerns that the minor may have been pressured into this decision. Singh, when asked about the situation, chose not to comment, stating, “let law take its course.”
Recent Developments
On Monday, legal news site Bar and Bench reported that the police submitted a report to the court seeking the cancellation of the case against Singh. This development came after the minor’s father stated that he had made a false complaint. The prosecution lawyer indicated that “no corroborative evidence” had been found during the investigation.
Both the minor wrestler and her father appeared in court, expressing satisfaction with the police investigation and did not oppose the cancellation report. This outcome marks a significant moment in a case that has drawn national and international attention, highlighting the complexities surrounding allegations of sexual misconduct in sports.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite the clearance in the case involving the minor, Singh still faces serious allegations from six adult female wrestlers. These ongoing charges of sexual harassment and stalking remain unresolved, and Singh continues to deny any wrongdoing. The situation underscores the broader issues of accountability and justice within the realm of sports in India, as athletes continue to advocate for their rights and seek protection against harassment. The developments in this case will likely continue to be closely monitored by both the public and authorities as they unfold.
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