Sexual Harassment By Brij Bhushan Detailed By Police

NEW DELHI, (IANS) – The Delhi Police has filed a chargesheet against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, alleging multiple instances of sexual harassment against women wrestlers both in India and abroad. The 1599-page chargesheet, , documents specific incidents of “inappropriate sexual contact” that took place at various locations.

One such incident occurred in 2016 in a hotel dining area in Mongolia. Two witnesses confirmed that they saw Singh engage in the alleged act, supporting the victim’s statement. Consequently, the chargesheet accuses Singh of committing an offense under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with assault or criminal force to a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty.

The victim, referred to as “grappler (1),” alleges that Singh harassed her on seven separate occasions. This includes instances of physical sexual assault on five occasions and sexual advances on another occasion. The chargesheet views these allegations as part of a continuous pattern of harassment spanning 6-7 years, backed by the victim’s statement. Additionally, this behavior constitutes stalking.

Moreover, the chargesheet addresses the allegations made by “grappler (2)” regarding an incident of indecent sexual contact during a group photograph at the Asian Championship held at the SAI Centre in Lucknow. The witness corroborated the victim’s statement, resulting in an offense under Section 354 of the IPC.

Similarly, “grappler (3)” reported an incident of inappropriate sexual contact in Sofia, Bulgaria, which is supported by a witness and technical evidence like photographs. As a result, the chargesheet establishes an offence under Section 354 of the IPC.

Regarding an incident at the WFI Office, where the accused allegedly made sexual advances and sought sexual favors from the victim, the chargesheet considers the victim’s testimony as evidence. This incident is treated as private and is corroborated by a witness who overheard the victim’s account. Thus, an offense under Section 354A of the IPC, which pertains to making sexually colored remarks, is established in the chargesheet.

Furthermore, the chargesheet confirms the allegations made by “grappler (4)” during the Asian Wrestling Championship in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The incident, reported to have occurred in seclusion without any other witnesses, is treated as a private incident. The victim’s testimony, supported by individuals who heard her recounting the ordeal, leads to an offense under Section 354 of the IPC.

Similarly, the chargesheet addresses the allegations made by “grappler (5)” regarding an incident in Kazakhstan where the accused “forcibly hugged” the victim in 2012. The victim’s testimony, along with supporting witnesses, strengthens the case.

Lastly, the chargesheet mentions the allegations made by “grappler (6)” regarding an incident of inappropriate sexual contact and sexual advances in Bellary, Karnataka, in 2021.