In a criminal defamation case brought by coach Naresh Dahiya, who accused star wrestler Bajrang Punia of ruining his image with his statement during the protest against federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the Delhi court on Thursday granted Punia bail. Bajrang had stated that Dahiya lacked credibility to oppose the agitation because he was dealing with his own rape case during the wrestlers’ protest.
After that, Dahiya petitioned the court, and Bajrang—who had just lost in the Asian Games and wasn’t awarded a medal—was called to appear.
Dahiya had argued in court that Bajrang’s remarks had damaged his reputation and that he had been cleared in the rape case.
“Bajrang had sought exemption from physical appearance and missed the first three hearings. He appeared physically today and the court has granted him bail. The next date for hearing is March 5,” advocate Rajesh Kumar Rexwal, who represented Dahiya, told PTI after the proceedings.
Pro wrestlers Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang spearheaded a demonstration against the WFI chairman, claiming that he had taken advantage of other women wrestlers sexually.
Singh has refuted every accusation and is currently the subject of a legal case.
