A Delhi court has cleared Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment charges from a minor wrestler, based on a police recommendation and the minor's father's retraction. Singh still faces allegations from six adult wrestlers, amid criticisms of governmental inaction, athlete protests, and ongoing scrutiny.
Legal Closure for Former Indian Wrestling Chief Amid Ongoing Allegations
Legal Closure for Former Indian Wrestling Chief Amid Ongoing Allegations
The ex-head of India's wrestling federation, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, has been cleared of charges related to a minor, while other harassment claims remain unresolved.
In a significant turn of events, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former chief of India's wrestling federation, has been acquitted from sexual harassment charges involving a minor female wrestler. The court's decision in Delhi comes after the police submitted a report advocating for the cancellation of the case against Singh. This decision followed a recent withdrawal of claims by the minor's father, who stated that the allegations were false.
Previously, Singh, a former member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was implicated in a broader scandal that included six adult female wrestlers who accused him of sexual harassment and stalking. These allegations emerged during a wave of protests led by prominent athletes in India. The protests captured national attention, particularly when the police suppressed the demonstrations as the wrestlers sought to raise their concerns at India's parliament.
Singh has consistently denied the allegations, asserting that the charges were politically motivated. In a dramatic development, the minor wrestler reportedly retracted her accusations under pressure, as echoed by statements from wrestler Sakshi Malik, who suggested outside influence played a role in the situation.
Monday’s court proceedings, reported by the legal news outlet Bar and Bench, highlighted that the police investigation yielded no substantial evidence to support the allegations, leading to a legal retraction by both the wrestler and her father. The prosecution acknowledged the lack of corroborative evidence despite the seriousness of the claims initially presented.
In the midst of this turmoil, Singh stepped down from his position as the wrestling federation's chief, with his close aide later being appointed as his successor. Speculation arose regarding Singh's continued influence behind the scenes, although both denied these assertions. Following the scandal, Singh's federation faced governance challenges, resulting in a temporary suspension before resuming operations after a global governing body's lift of its ban.
The political landscape for Singh remains complex, as he was not selected by the BJP for the upcoming general elections, passing the mantle to his son, Karan Bhushan Singh. The fallout from these events continues to be felt in both the sports and political arenas, as advocacy for justice and accountability in cases of sexual harassment remains a pressing issue in India.
