Former Wrestling Federation of India Chief Brij Bhushan Charged with Sexual Harassment

Former president of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brij Bhushan Singh, is set to face charges of sexual harassment following a Delhi court’s decision to frame charges against him in a case involving allegations by female wrestlers. The former BJP MP has also been accused of outraging the modesty of women.

This marks the culmination of a lengthy legal battle, during which the wrestlers took to the streets twice in 2023 to protest against Brij Bhushan. The Delhi Police filed a chargesheet against Brij Bhushan Sharan on June 15, citing sections 354, 354 (A), and 354 (D) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Vinod Tomar, alleged to have aided or facilitated the commission of the crime, is also being sent for trial under relevant sections of the IPC.

The 1599-page chargesheet includes statements from 44 witnesses recorded under CrPC 164. According to the chargesheet, Brij Bhushan is deemed “liable to be prosecuted and punished for offences of sexual harassment, molestation, and stalking,” with witnesses attesting to witnessing “physically wrong gestures” by the former WFI president.

The case originated from complaints filed by women wrestlers, resulting in two FIRs against Brij Bhushan. One of these FIRs, registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, has seen a cancellation report filed in the case involving a minor wrestler.

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Delhi Police officials have indicated that after completing the investigation, chargesheets are being filed against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar before the Rouse Avenue Court for offences under relevant sections of the IPC.