Delhi court summons Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in wrestlers’ sexual harassment case

A Delhi court has summoned Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a BJP MP and former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), in a case involving alleged sexual harassment of women wrestlers.

The court found sufficient evidence to proceed against Singh and directed him to appear on July 18. Vinod Tomar, a suspended assistant secretary of the WFI, was also summoned in the case. The court instructed the police to execute the summons as both the accused reside in Delhi.

The charge sheet, filed by Delhi Police on June 15, accused Singh of offenses under sections 354, 354A, 354D, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty, sexual harassment, stalking, and criminal intimidation. Tomar was charged with abetment of offenses and criminal intimidation.

Another FIR was filed against Singh under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act based on allegations made by a minor wrestler.

The court sought responses from the girl and the complainant on the final report filed by Delhi Police, which sought the cancellation of the case against Singh for alleged sexual harassment.

The police had submitted the report due to a lack of corroborative evidence after their investigation.

Singh has denied all the allegations, claiming he was framed. He has been questioned twice by the police.

The case gained support from prominent wrestlers such as Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, as well as opposition parties and farmer organisations. (With inputs from PTI)