Delhi Police withdraws security from wrestlers, claims Vinesh Phogat; cops respond

Top Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Thursday said that the Delhi Police have withdrawn security from the women wrestlers who are scheduled to testify against former WFI leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a Delhi court.

Vinesh and several other wrestlers, including her cousin Sangeeta Phogat, wife of Bajrang Punia, accused Brij Bhushan of sexual exploitation.

The Delhi Police had filed an FIR and subsequently filed a chargesheet against the BJP leader in the case. The next hearing in the case is on Friday.

“Delhi Police has withdrawn security of the women wrestlers who are going to testify against Brij Bhushan in court,” Vinesh tweeted, tagging Delhi Police and Delhi and National Commissions of Women.

Responding to Vinesh’s claim, the Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police said that the security of the wrestlers has not been withdrawn, in fact the Delhi Police decided to ask Haryana Police to take over the responsibility of the wrestlers. The decision was taken keeping in mind that the proectees are residing in Haryana.

“The security of the wrestlers has not been withdrawn; it has been decided to request Haryana police to take over the responsibility in future as the protectees normally stay there,” DCP Delhi responded.

The assigned Delhi Police PSOs misunderstood this decision and delayed reporting today. The situation has been rectified. The security cover continues, the DCP informed.

Vinesh reached the final of the Olympic Games in Paris, but was disqualified from the Games for being overweight before competing for gold.

(With inputs from PTI)