Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has filed a fresh appeal in the Rouse Avenue Court, asserting that he was not present in India when the alleged incident of sexual harassment occurred. The court has deferred its decision on framing charges against him in a case filed by women wrestlers, with the prosecution labeling the appeal as a delaying tactic.
The Delhi court has postponed its order on framing charges against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh following his application for further submissions. In his appeal, he contends that he was not in India at the time when one of the complainants reported harassment. The prosecution, however, views this as an attempt to prolong the legal process and has opposed the application, citing the need for a thorough investigation.
The Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Priyanka Rajpoot has reserved the order for April 26, considering the arguments from both sides. This development comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding the case and the allegations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan.
Brij Bhushan faces charges related to sexual harassment of women wrestlers, which sparked nationwide protests by prominent athletes. Despite denying the allegations, the Delhi Police claimed in January that there was sufficient evidence to proceed with trial against him and his co-accused Vinod Tomar, a former assistant secretary of WFI.
The case has had political repercussions, with Brij Bhushan stepping aside from his position as WFI Chief after serving for 12 years. His close associate, Sanjay Singh, assumed the leadership role following fresh elections in December. Additionally, the BJP has removed Brij Bhushan as a candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in light of the ongoing legal proceedings.
The delay in framing charges against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh underscores the complexities and legal nuances of the case. The court’s decision on April 26 will shed light on the direction of the trial and its impact on the accused and the broader wrestling community.
Sources By Agencies
