On Friday, Delhi Police filed two FIRs against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on allegations of sexual harassment levelled by seven women wrestlers. The filing of the FIRs came after the chorus of support for the protesting wrestlers grew.
The Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Delhi Police, informed a Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha that a case would be registered on Friday. The country’s top wrestlers, who have been on a sit-in at Jantar Mantar in Delhi since Sunday demanding action against Singh, rejoiced at “the first step towards victory” but said they would continue their agitation. They demanded that the BJP MP be removed from all the positions he holds.
One of the FIRs pertains to allegations of a minor wrestler and was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, while the second FIR was related to outraging modesty. The allegations were made by seven women wrestlers who accused Singh of sexual harassment and misconduct.
Singh has denied the allegations, calling them baseless and a conspiracy against him. He has also claimed that he is being targeted because he refused to comply with certain demands made by the wrestlers. However, the protesting wrestlers have dismissed his claims and demanded that he step down from his post.
The protests by the wrestlers began after a video of a female wrestler went viral on social media, in which she alleged that Singh had been harassing her for several years. The video prompted other women wrestlers to come forward with similar allegations against Singh.
The case has sparked outrage across India and has highlighted the issue of sexual harassment in sports. Many athletes have come forward to share their own experiences of harassment and have called for stricter laws and regulations to protect them.
The filing of the FIRs against Singh is being seen as a positive step towards justice for the victims and a deterrent for others who may engage in similar behaviour. However, the protesters have vowed to continue their sit-in until Singh is removed from his position and stricter laws are put in place to protect athletes from sexual harassment.
