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Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh sought discharge in the sexual harassment case filed by women grapplers. The reason behind the same is the delay in reported offences as well as contradictions in the statements of the complainants. Singh’s counsel alleged told the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Priyanka Rajpoot of Rouse Avenue Court that the incidents occurred in 2012 but the wrestlers reported it in 2023.
Not only this, but the counsel stated that there was no reason for the delay in filing the complaint. In addition, Singh also claimed that male authority figures in sporting disciplines have become prone to sexual assault allegations. Singh was represented by Advocate Rajiv Mohan, who claimed that some of the cases filed were not in the court’s jurisdiction. Along with it, he demanded that the prosecution must explain the provisions they filed the complaints.
There were differences in the affidavit and statements of complainants: Brij Bhushan’s counsel
Brij Bhushan’s counsel said that there were differences in the affidavit and statements submitted by the complainants. He said, "There was a delay in reporting the alleged offences. The incidents of 2012 were reported to the police in 2023. The alleged incidents took place at different times and places. There is no link between incidents, there are also contradictions in the affidavit and the statement of complainants.”
The court is scheduled to resume hearing on the case on February 6. The Delhi Police had filed a charge sheet in the case against Singh on June 15, 2023. The complaints were registered under sections 354, 354-A, 354-D, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code.
