Court Hears Testimony in Wrestlers’ Harassment Case
Key Figures: Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar
In New Delhi, the Rouse Avenue court recorded the testimony of Narender, a referee present during a photoshoot in Lucknow, where allegations of groping were made. Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar are accused in this case.
Testimony Details
Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Priyanka Rajpoot oversaw the cross-examination of Narender by defense counsel Rajiv Mohan. Narender confirmed his presence at the March 2022 photoshoot in Lucknow, where both Singh and the victim wrestlers were present.
The defense questioned Narender about his actions post-incident, including whether he contacted the victims or participated in a protest at Jantar Mantar in January 2023. Narender denied joining the protest, citing his government job, and clarified that a Facebook photo showing him with wrestlers was from an Akhada meeting, not posted by him.
Next Steps
The court will hear from another witness, coach Jagbeer, on October 19. Previously, senior advocate Rebecca John, representing the victims, highlighted a complainant’s statement about the Lucknow incident during a group photoshoot.
Doubts Revealed
Rouse Avenue court -: Rouse Avenue court is a special court in New Delhi, India, where certain legal cases are heard. It’s named after the street where it is located.
Testimony -: Testimony is when someone tells the court what they saw or know about a case. It’s like sharing a story about what happened.
WFI -: WFI stands for Wrestling Federation of India, which is the organization that manages wrestling activities in India.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh -: Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is a politician in India who was also the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India.
Groping -: Groping is when someone touches another person in a way that is not appropriate or without their permission. It’s considered wrong and can be against the law.
Cross-examined -: Cross-examined means when a lawyer asks questions to a witness in court to check if they are telling the truth or to get more information.
Jantar Mantar -: Jantar Mantar is a famous place in New Delhi, India, known for its historical astronomical instruments. It’s also a common spot for protests and gatherings.
Akhada -: Akhada is a traditional Indian wrestling training center where wrestlers practice and learn the sport.
