‘Delhi Police withdraw security of women wrestlers testifying against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’: Vinesh Phogat

Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik have alleged that the Delhi Police has withdrawn security of women wrestlers who are going to testify in the sexual harassment case against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Vinesh and Sakshi on ‘X’, tagged Delhi Police, Delhi Commission for Women and National Commission for Women, and expressed concern over the safety of the women wrestlers who are key witnesses in the case and wrote, “Delhi Police has withdrawn security of the women wrestlers who are going to testify against Brij Bhushan in court.”

@DelhiPolice @DCWDelhi @NCWIndia

— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) August 22, 2024

Vinesh, who recently returned from the Paris Olympics, said she would continue her fight against the WFI and hoped that “truth will prevail”.

The case dates back to January 2023 when wrestlers including Vinesh, Sakshi and Bajrang Punia started protesting at Jantar Mantar accusing Brij Bhushan of sexual exploitation and harassment. The wrestlers demanded his resignation and sought dissolution of the WFI.

Their complaint to the president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), PT Usha, led to the formation of an inquiry committee comprising eminent figures such as Mary Kom and Yogeshwar Dutt. Despite these actions, the WFI denied all allegations against its president and coaches.

Subsequently, the Ministry of Sports intervened, suspended all activities of the WFI and sidelined deputy secretary Vinod Tomar.

The legal battle escalated in May 2024, when a Delhi court formally filed charges against Brij Bhushan and Vinod Tomar. Both denied the charges, leading to a trial.

The court ruled on May 10 that there was sufficient evidence to hear charges of sexual harassment and indecency brought by five female wrestlers against the former WFI leader.