Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 10: A Delhi court has ordered the framing of charges against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in sexual harassment allegations made by women wrestlers, dealing a significant blow to him. Singh expressed readiness to face the trial.
The decision comes shortly after the BJP decided not to field Singh for re-election in Uttar Pradesh's Kaiserganj constituency, opting for his son Karan Bhushan Singh instead. The court has directed charges to be framed against Singh under sections 354, 354-A, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code, based on allegations from five wrestlers, while he is discharged from the allegations made by the sixth. Additionally, the court called for charges against former assistant secretary Vinod Tomar under section 506. The case's next hearing is scheduled for May 21.
The charges against Singh surfaced last year, sparking protests led by prominent athletes including Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Vinesh Phogat. Malik had even announced her retirement from wrestling due to the controversy. Despite consistently denying the allegations, Singh's political career faced challenges, culminating in his replacement with his son as the BJP's candidate. Following the court's decision, Malik described it as a ‘small step towards victory’.