Delhi Court Frames Charges Against Ex-WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Singh

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Brij Bhushan Singh

A recent development in the legal landscape has put the spotlight on Brij Bhushan Singh, the former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has formally framed charges against him in connection with a sexual harassment case involving women wrestlers.

The court has charged Singh with sexual harassment, intimidation, and outraging the modesty of women. These serious allegations have significant legal implications.

Brij Bhushan Singh denies the charges

Singh, who denies the charges, has opted for a trial. When asked to enter his plea, he maintained his innocence, stating, “Why will I plead guilty when I am not guilty?”. His decision to face trial will determine the legal outcome.

Vinod Tomar, the former assistant secretary of the WFI, has also been charged with criminal intimidation in the same case. Both Singh and Tomar are now part of a legal process that will unfold in court.

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, currently serving as a BJP Member of Parliament from Kaiserganj, Uttar Pradesh, faced consequences due to the allegations. He was denied a ticket to run in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Instead, the party nominated his son, Karan Bhushan Singh, to contest the seat.

The court proceeding began after a one-year-long protest by the country’s ace wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia last year as six different female wrestlers filed complaints with the Delhi Police, accusing Brij Bhushan of sexual harassment, molestation and criminal intimidation.

This latest development has come out as a victory for the concerned wrestlers, with them expressing their feelings on social media platforms after the complaint was registered against Brij Bhushan, earlier this month.

The court framed charges against Brij Bhushan under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 354 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty) and 354A (sexual harassment) based on the allegations of the five complainants. The court also framed charges under Section 506-part 1 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC based on the allegations of two complainants against Brij Bhushan.

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