Vinesh Phogat Claims Delhi Police Revoked Security for Female Wrestlers Testifying Against Brij Bhushan Singh
New Delhi, India – Former Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has claimed that the Delhi Police has revoked the security cover for female wrestlers who are set to testify in the sexual harassment case against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Phogat made this claim in a post on X, tagging Delhi Police, Delhi Commission for Women, and National Commission for Women.
However, the Delhi Police denied this allegation. According to a post by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) New Delhi on X, the security has not been withdrawn but it was decided to request Haryana Police to take over the responsibility since the protectees usually reside there.
In January 2023, wrestlers including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia protested against Brij Bhushan, accusing him of sexual exploitation and intimidation. On May 21, a Delhi court formally framed charges against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar, the former assistant secretary of WFI. Both denied the allegations and claimed trial.
The court found sufficient material to proceed against Brij Bhushan under sections 354 and 354A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of a woman. Charges were also framed under section 506 (part 1) based on allegations from two women. However, the court discharged Brij Bhushan from allegations made by a sixth wrestler.
Vinod Tomar was also charged under section 506 (part 1) of the IPC based on one woman’s allegation but was discharged from the rest of the allegations. The court has listed the matter for the official framing of charges on May 21.
The Delhi Police chargesheet against Brij Bhushan and Vinod Tomar stated that both are to be tried ‘without arrest’ as they complied with investigation directions. The 1599-page chargesheet includes statements from 44 witnesses and six statements recorded under CrPC 164. The chargesheet indicates that Brij Bhushan is liable to be prosecuted for sexual harassment, molestation, and stalking based on the investigation so far.
Doubts Revealed
Vinesh Phogat -: Vinesh Phogat is a famous Indian wrestler who has won many medals in international competitions. She is known for her strong performances in wrestling.
Delhi Police -: Delhi Police is the law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining law and order in Delhi, the capital city of India.
Security cover -: Security cover means protection provided by police or security personnel to keep someone safe from harm.
Testifying -: Testifying means giving evidence or telling the truth about what happened in a court or legal setting.
WFI -: WFI stands for Wrestling Federation of India, which is the organization that manages wrestling activities and competitions in India.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh -: Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is a politician and was the president of the Wrestling Federation of India. He is accused of sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment -: Sexual harassment means unwanted or inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature that makes someone feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Haryana Police -: Haryana Police is the law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining law and order in the state of Haryana, India.
Charges -: Charges are formal accusations made by the police or legal authorities that someone has committed a crime.
IPC sections -: IPC sections refer to different parts of the Indian Penal Code, which is the set of laws that define crimes and punishments in India.
Chargesheet -: A chargesheet is a document prepared by the police that lists the charges against someone and the evidence supporting those charges.
Witnesses -: Witnesses are people who saw or know something about a crime and can provide information or evidence about it.
