As per a report of LiveLaw, the Court stated that “This court has found sufficient material on record to frame charges against accused no. 1 Brij Bhushan Saran Singh for the offences under Section 354 (outraging modesty of woman) and 354A (sexual harassment) of the Indian Penal Code regarding victims no. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.”

In addition to this, Judge Rajpoot said that there is also sufficient material on record to frame charges against Singh for the offence punishable under Section 506(1) (criminal intimidation) of the IPC with respect two wrestlers. However, the judge discharged Singh in the allegations levelled by victim no. 6.

“As regard Victim No 6, Accused No 1 Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh stands discharged,” the Court had noted.

On the other hand, for accused no. 2, namely Vinod Tomar who was the former assistant secretary of the WFI, the court framed charges under Section 506 part 1 (criminal intimidation) regarding victim no 1. For the remaining offences, he stood discharged as per the report.

“He is discharged from the offence of abetment with regard to all the accused,” the Court said.

The framing of charges comes after the Delhi Court had dismissed Singh’s application seeking further investigation and examination of evidence in the case and for making further submissions on framing of charges on April 26, 2024. Singh had claimed that he was not in India on the date – September 7, 2022 – in question. Notably, Additional Public Prosecutor Atul Srivastava, representing the Delhi Police, had opposed the application, arguing that the timing of the request was strategic and intended to prolong the case. He had also stressed the potential legal ramifications of reopening the investigation at this stage.

Brief history of the case:

On June 15, 2023 Delhi Police had charge sheeted the BJP MP under Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (sexual harassment), 354D (stalking) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Section 109 (abetment) of IPC was additionally invoked against Tomar. A minor wrestler had also levelled allegations against Singh. However, she later withdrew her complaint and the Delhi Police filed a cancellation report in that case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act).

Singh had been given bail by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Harjeet Singh Jaspal on July 20. Since this case, Singh is yet to see inside the of a jail as he has been out on bail along with co-accused Vinod Tomar.

In the arguments submitted by the Delhi police through Additional public prosecutor (APP) Atul Srivastava that Singh had “outraged the modesty” of the women wrestlers who filed harassment charges against him at every opportunity he got. The APP had also told the court that the former WFI chief “knew what he was doing” and his intention was to outrage the modesty of the wrestlers, which he also tried to cover up. It was further submitted that Singh justified that his acts were carried out in a father-like capacity while reacting to the victims’ statement that Bhushan used to touch their breast on the pretext of checking their breathing capacity.

The BJP lawmaker had been accused of sexual harassment by women wrestlers. The alleged incidents of sexual harassment are said to have occurred between 2016 and 2019 at the WFI office, at Singh’s official residence and also abroad, according to media reports. Notably, in the current Lok Sabha elections, Singh was dropped by the BJP for the Kaiserganj Lok Sabha seat this time and the ticket was given to his son Karan.

Related:

Journalist Aman Chopra casually visits a gaushala with sexual harassment accused Brij Bhushan Singh

Wrestler Sakshi Malik quits wrestling as close aid of sexual harassment accused Brij Bhushan gets elected as president

Delhi Police on Brij Bhushan sexual harassment case: “Liable to be prosecuted and punished for sexual harassment, molestation and stalking”

The post Delhi Court frames charges against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh, says it found sufficient material on record to charge with sexual harassment of 5 wrestlers appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Chopra has also posted three photos in the said social media post, where he can be seen casually walking and feeding cows along with the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

His post on X can be viewed here:

अयोध्या दौरे के दौरान @b_bhushansharan के साथ उनकी गौशाला गया। pic.twitter.com/IeswK6Y8BV

— Aman Chopra (@AmanChopra_) January 17, 2024

This comes after multiple wrestlers in December had returned their awards in protest to a close aid of Singh, namely Sanjay Singh, being appointed as the president of the WFI. Bajrang Punia had returned his Padma Shri award and Vinesh Phogat had also returned her Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and Arjuna Award. Both of these, who had led the Wrestlers protest against Singh since January 2023 and shed their light on the exploitative culture prevailing at the WFI had also written separate open letters addressed to PM Modi expressing their anguish and disappointment. Later, Virender Singh Yadav had also supported the Wrestlers in this movement, and had returned Padma Shri award.

It is crucial to note that Sakshi Malik, who was also the main force behind the Wrestlers protest had announced at a conference that she will be retiring from wrestling.

It is also pertinent to highlight here that the sexual harassment and sexual abuse case against Singh is ongoing in the Delhi court and is at the stage of framing of charges. Arguments against Singh by the Delhi Police have come to a conclusion and the counsel for the complainants, the six wrestlers who have raised the allegations against Singh, will be beginning on January 20.

In the arguments submitted by the Delhi police through Additional public prosecutor (APP) Atul Srivastava that Singh had “outraged the modesty” of the women wrestlers who filed harassment charges against him at every opportunity he got. The APP also told the court that the former WFI chief “knew what he was doing” and his intention was to outrage the modesty of the wrestlers, which he also tried to cover up. It was further submitted that Singh justified that his acts were carried out in a father-like capacity while reacting to the victims’ statement that Bhushan used to touch their breast on the pretext of checking their breathing capacity.

Related:

Wrestler Sakshi Malik quits wrestling as close aid of sexual harassment accused Brij Bhushan gets elected as president

Sexual harassment, stalking and molestation accused Brij Bhushan granted two day interim bail by Delhi Court

Delhi Police on Brij Bhushan sexual harassment case: “Liable to be prosecuted and punished for sexual harassment, molestation and stalking”

The post Journalist Aman Chopra casually visits a gaushala with sexual harassment accused Brij Bhushan Singh appeared first on SabrangIndia.

“No, I don’t have any permission. If you can please forward this letter to the PM’s because I can’t go inside. I am not protesting nor being aggressive” Punia said as he was stopped from entering the building.

It is crucial to highlight that Punia had also written a letter addressed to the Prime Minister upon which he kept the medal. As per a report of the Telegraph, Punia told the reporters that “I am putting my medal on the letter written to PM Modi. I will not take this medal back home”. Later, police officials could be seen picking up both the letter and the medal.

These steps are in protest to the election of Singh, who is a close aid and business partner of former WFI president and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment by six women wrestlers. Through the protest by women wrestlers against Brij Bhushan, Punia was a constant supporter. With Singh being elected, the wrestlers have been emphasising that the culture of abuse and harassment of women wrestlers will continue. It is crucial to note here that Brij Bhushan himself had nominated Singh’s name for the election. 

Minutes prior to this, Bajrang Punia took to ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) to announce his decision of returning his Padma Shri award, which was conferred upon him in the year 2019. Punia has won multiple medals for India at the World and Asian Championships apart from the Asian Games. On social media, Punia wrote “I am returning my Padmashree award to the Prime Minister.” With his post, he also attached the letter that he wrote to the Prime Minister. “This is just my letter. This is my statement,” he wrote on his social media post. 

The open letter was written in Hindi, but has been translated to English for this article. Addressing it to the Prime Minister, Punia wrote “Respected Prime Minister, hope you are well. You will be busy serving the country. Amidst your busy schedule, I would like to draw your attention to our sport of wrestling.”

With this, Punia referred to the beginning of the protest by women wrestlers in the month of January, when the allegations of sexual harassment being levied against Brij Bhushan had come forth. He wrote “You must be aware that in the month of January this year, the women wrestlers of our country had made serious allegations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Singh, who was in charge of the wrestling federation. When the movement started, I also joined it. The agitating wrestlers returned to their homes in January when the government assured them of taking concrete action. But even after three months, when an FIR was not filed against Brij Bhushan, we took to the streets again in the month of April, and protested asking the Delhi Police to at least register an FIR against Brij Bhushan Singh. But things still did not work out, so we had to go to court. We had to go and lodge an FIR.”

The Olympic medallist then refers to the pressure that the women complainants went through at the hands of Brij Bhushan. As stated in this letter, from the month of January to July, the number of complaints dwindled down to 6 from the initial 19. “In January, the number of women wrestlers (complainants) was 19, which came down to 7 by April. That is, in three months, with his power, Brij Bhushan Singh had repelled 12 women wrestlers in their fight for justice. The movement lasted for 40 days. In these 40 days, one female wrestler further retreated.”

Punia further refers to the pressure faced by the protestors at the hand of the administration, and writes “There was a lot of pressure on all of us. Our protest site was destroyed and we were chased out of Delhi and our protest was banned. When this happened, we had no idea what to do. That’s why we thought of shedding our medals in the Ganga. When we went there, our coaches and the farmers did not allow us to do so.”

Furthermore, Punia referred to the assurances given to them by the union Home Ministers and other ministers regarding future steps that will be taken against Brij Bhushan and his supporters, which they had trusted and put a paused to protests. In his letter, he wrote “At the same time, we received a call came from one of your responsible ministers and we were told to come back. That justice would be done. Meanwhile, we also met our Home Minister, where he assured us that he will support the women wrestlers in getting justice and will expel Brij Bhushan, his family and his henchmen from the Wrestling Federation. We accepted his advice and ended our movement from the streets, because the government would resolve the wrestling union and the fight for justice would be fought in the court. These two things seemed logical to us.”

Punia then refers to the election of Brij Bhushna’s loyalist as a victory for Brij Bhushan himself. He stated “But in the wrestling federation elections held on December 21, Brij Bhushan has once again won. He gave the statement that “there is dominance and there will be dominance.” A person accused of sexual exploitation of female wrestlers was again openly claiming his dominance over the body that manages wrestling. Under this mental pressure, Sakshi Malik, the only woman wrestler to win an Olympic medal, was forced to retired from wrestling.”

Speaking about the helplessness that the wrestlers feel, Punia wrote “All of us spent the night crying. We couldn’t understand where to go, what to do and how to live.”

Regarding his decision to return the award, Punia stated “The government and the people gave us so much respect. Should I continue to suffocate under the burden of this respect? In the year 2019, I was awarded the Padma Shri and was also honoured with the Khel Ratna and the Arjuna Award. I was very happy when I received these honours. It seemed my life had been successful. But today I am more unhappy than before and these honours are hurting me. There is only one reason. My fellow women wrestlers have to give up the sport of wrestling for their safety. The same sport which gave me this honour.”

Emphasising the role that women sports athletes play, Punia wrote “Sports had brought tremendous changes in the lives of our women players. Earlier, one could not even imagine that, in rural India, that boys and girls would be seen playing together in fields. But this could happen because of the courage of the first-generation of women players. Now you will see girls playing in every village and they are even going abroad to play.”

It is pertinent to highlight here that when the election results came to the forefront, pictures and videos showing Brij Bhushan wearing multiple garlands around his neck, being surrounded by men chanting his name and posing for the camera were floating around social media. Next to Brij Bhushan, the newly elected WFI president, an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Sanjay Singh could be seen standing with a huge smile plastered on his face. Both Brij Bhushan and Singh could be seen flashing a victory sign at the cameras. Punia refers to the said pictures of Brij Bhushan and Singh, and states “But those who continue to dominate the sport, where even their shadow scares the women players have now completely taken over again. The photo of them with flowers and garlands around their necks must have reached you. The daughters who were to become the brand ambassadors of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao have been put in such a situation that they have to step back from their game.”

Referring to his dismay and helplessness, Punia states “We “respected” wrestlers could not do anything. I will not be able to live my life as a “respected” person after our female wrestlers were insulted. Such a life will torment me. That’s why I am returning this “honour” to you. Whenever we used to go to any program, the stage director would introduce us by calling us Padma Shri, Khel Ratna and Arjun awardee wrestlers and people would clap with great enthusiasm. Now if someone calls me like this, I will feel disgusted because despite having so much respect, a female wrestler was deprived of the respectable life that everyone wants to live.”

Punia ends the letter by stating that it is his hope that justice will one day prevail. He states “I have full faith in God, there is delay in his house but not darkness. One day justice will definitely triumph over injustice.”

He signs the letter by writing “Bajrang Punia, Asammanit Pehelwan (Disrespected wrestler)”

The letter can be accessed here:

मैं अपना पद्मश्री पुरस्कार प्रधानमंत्री जी को वापस लौटा रहा हूँ. कहने के लिए बस मेरा यह पत्र है. यही मेरी स्टेटमेंट है। pic.twitter.com/PYfA9KhUg9

— Bajrang Punia (@BajrangPunia) December 22, 2023

Last year, Union Home Minister had assured us to wait for 30-40 days after we told him everything about what Brij Bhushan was up to: Vinesh Phogat

A report of the Indian Express stated that Vinesh Phogat, who was also at the forefront of the protests along with Sakshi Malik, Sangeeta Phogat and Punia, referred to retiring or returning the award as the “final, desperate step” that any athlete can take.

“Bajrang, Sakshi and I were together just before the elections were taking place. We discussed the possibility of Sanjay Singh winning and Sakshi immediately said if that happened, she would not be able to continue wrestling. She broke down as she said that and looking at her, even Bajrang began crying,” Phogat was reported as telling The Indian Express.

As per the report, Phogat stated that the wrestlers felt let down by the government as they had promised to take action against Brij Bhushan and ensure neither his family members nor close aides would be a part of the federation, and yet Singh has not become the president of WFI.

According to the report, Vinesh then recalls the meeting that she and Punia had with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in 2022 after they had won the bronze medal at the World Championship. As per Phogat, “Bajrang and I met Home Minister Amit Shah at his official residence. It was just the three of us and Babita Phogat in that meeting. We informed him about everything that Brij Bhushan was up to. We even gave him the names of the girls who had been his victims. He asked us to wait for 30-40 days and told us not to worry about it.” Notably, Babita Phogat, a member of the BJP, had not supported the wrestlers in their protest against Brij Bhushan.

Phogat told the IE that the government kept giving them repeated assurances until they stopped answering their calls. Vinesh also said that they would not be engaging with the new WFI president Sanjay Singh as he considers Brij Bhushan as his “brother”. Referring to the garlanded pictures of Brij Bhushan, she said “Who is Sanjay Singh? Who was wearing garlands after the elections?” 

On her position regarding retiring from the sport, Phogat said that would retire, if at all, “on her terms”. As per the IE report, she asserted that “If I quit, it will be my decision not because of anyone’s dadagiri. We will continue our fight. Brij Bhushan’s ego is too big. But it’s the ego that will lead to his eventual downfall.” 

Related:

Wrestler Sakshi Malik quits wrestling as close aid of sexual harassment accused Brij Bhushan gets elected as president

Clear case of re-victimisation: Former SC judge Madan B Lokur on Delhi Police’s handling of women wrestlers case

Protesting wrestlers will resume stir, say govt not ready to arrest WFI chief by June 15

Mumbai: Silent protest organised to condemn the injustice meted out to women wrestlers

FIRs suggest wrestlers had informed PM about their repeated sexual trauma in 2021

The post Bajrang Punia returns Padma Shri, in open letter to PM Modi states “My fellow women wrestlers gave up sports for safety, that’s why I am returning this “honour” to you” appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Malik, along with wrestler Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, addressed the media at the Press Club of India in New Delhi. Referring to the position that Singh holds with Brij Bhushan, Phogat said that “He (Sanjay Singh) is Brij Bhushan’s right-hand man. He is more special to him than his own son.” She further said that with Singh becoming the president of WFI, the culture of harassment and abuse of women wrestlers will continue. As per the report of the Indian Express, Vinesh said “Now that he is president, the coming batch of women wrestlers will also fall prey.”

Following this, Malik announced that as a consequence of a close aid and partner of Brij Bhushan succeeding as the president, she will no longer be competing. “If Brij Bhushan Singh’s business partner and a close aide is elected as the president of WFI, (then) I quit wrestling,” she said. With this, she kept her blue wrestling shoes on the conference table. Throughout her address, Malik’s eyes were full of tears.  She also referred to the sit-in protests that were held by the women wrestlers at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and the support they got from everyone. She said, “We slept for 40 days on the roads and a lot of people from several parts of the country came to support us.” It is pertinent to highlight here that the said sit-in protest had come to an end after Delhi Police had manhandled the women protestors and wrestlers, and had detained them.

The 31-year-old wrestler further said that “We wanted a female president but that did not happen. If the president would be a woman, harassment would not happen. But, there was no participation of women earlier and today you can see the list, not even a single woman was given a position. We had fought with complete strength but this fight will continue. The wrestlers of the new generation have to fight.” 

Punia then addressed the media and underlined the disappointment that the wrestlers were feeling with the government not standing by their word and letting a loyalist of Brij Bhushan be elected. “It’s unfortunate that government did not stand by its word that no Brij Bhushan loyalist will contest WFI election,” Punia said, as per a report of the Hindu. As per a report of the Times of India, during the duration of the lead-up to the elections, the wrestlers had consistently urged Sports Minister Anurag Thakur to prevent individuals associated with Brij Bhushan from participating in the WFI polls.

It is essential to note that Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat did not say whether they will retire from the sport or not. Post the press conference, Malik was seen crying as she left the venue as journalists could be seen chasing behind her.

The other reality of India- sexual harassment accused garlanded

As the news of the election results came forth, along came the video of crackers being burst outside the house of former president and sexual harassment accused Brij Bhushan. The sexual harassment accusation against Brij Bhushan has alleged that since 2014, he had continuously and consistently abused both senior and junior wrestlers. The video, which had been uploaded by the Press Trust of India, then showed Brij Bhushan wearing multiple garlands around his neck, being surrounded by men chanting his name and posing for the camera. Next to Brij Bhushan, the newly elected WFI president, an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Singh could be seen standing with a huge smile plastered on his face. Both Brij Bhushan and Singh could be seen flashing a victory sign at the cameras.

As per a report of Aljazeera, when Brij Bhushan was asked about the decision of quitting taken by Malik after the results of the election came out, he replied “I have nothing to do with it.”

The Aljazeera report provided that in recent months, Singh had actively campaigned for Sanjay Singh to replace him and predicted his victory to the local press. As per a report of Newsclick, while campaigning for Singh, Brij Bhushan had told PTI that “11 months later, today is the election. In the election, Sanjay Singh, in a way, can be described as a representative of the old federation. Sanjay Singh is sure to win the election, ensuring the formation of a new federation for the children. I urge them to create a conducive sports environment as soon as possible and compensate for any losses.”

As alleged by the TOI report, given the tremendous interest the outgoing chief has in the sport, it can be expected that Sanjay will be consulting him in policy decisions.

Reacting to his victory, Singh told members of the media that his securing 40 out of 47 votes by the federation’s member institutions proved that “It’s a very big victory of truth over lies.” As per the Aljazeera report, he told reporters that he was committed to supporting wrestlers, but did not comment on Malik’s announcement. His statement provides the allyship that Singh has with Brij Bhushan.

Support pours in for Sakshi Malik on social media- questioning the government’s inaction

At same press conference that Sakshi Malik had announced her decision to quit wrestling, Sangeeta Phogat, another female wrestling champion who had also participated in the protest, said that “The wrestlers didn’t get justice.”

“It’s unfortunate that such people are getting elected to such positions in the country. Now, girls will be harassed again. It’s sad that even after fighting against it, we couldn’t bring any changes. I don’t know how to get justice in our own country,” Sangeeta Phogat added as per Newsclick.

Olympic boxing medallist Vijender Singh extended his support to Malik and described the election of loyalist Singh a “serious issue”. Vijendra Singh had also joined the protesting wrestlers in their sit-in protest. In his interview to India Today, Vijendra Singh had stated “As a player, it feels very bad because, after a lot of hard work, an athlete reaches that level. She is an Olympic medallist, a Commonwealth Games medalist and an Asian Games medallist. All these wrestlers, including Sakshi, Vinesh and Bajrang, have won medals at the highest level for the country.”

He further added that “When Sakshi said she would quit wrestling because of the way the election took place, I think it’s a serious issue. This raises a lot of questions about the democratic processes involved.”

His video can be viewed here:

VIDEO | “As a player, I can understand the anguish of Sakshee Malikkh as she quit wrestling because she did not get justice from the government in the sexual harassment case. If this can happen with athletes who have brought medals for the country then what will happen with the… pic.twitter.com/ehmgosjTUV

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 22, 2023

Randeep Singh Surjewala, Congress General Secretary and member of Congress Working Committee (CWC) also gave an interview and called Sakshi Malik’s “retirement” as a black mark in wrestling history. As per PTI, Surjewala said  “Every tear shed by Sakshi Malik, every tear shed by our Olympian daughters of India, every tear shed by every victim of the so called sexual exploitation and complete subjugation of the Indian Wrestling Association is a black blot on the future of India’s sports, particularly wrestling.”

His video can be viewed here:

VIDEO | “Every tear shed by Sakshee Malikkh, every tear shed by our Olympian daughters of India, every tear shed by every victim of the so called sexual exploitation and complete subjugation of the Indian Wrestling Association is a black blot on the future of India’s sports,… pic.twitter.com/DEkiDGfu7t

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 22, 2023

Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait, who had supported the women wrestlers in their protest against Brij Bhushan, reacted to Malik’s resignation and stated that “She should not have given up, as resigning in disappointment is not the solution. It takes a lot of time to become a successful wrestler, and she should have maintained her wrestling career.”

His video can be viewed here:

VIDEO | “She should not have given up, as resigning in disappointment is not the solution. It takes a lot of time to become a successful wrestler, and she should have maintained her wrestling career,” says farmer leader Rakesh Tikait in response to Sakshi Malik’s retirement… pic.twitter.com/fUpFkH3bcI

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 21, 2023

Many people also took to social media and released statements of solidarity with Malik, calling it a shameful day for the country.

Who is Sakshi Malik? What was the wrestlers protest?

Sakshi Malik is one of the top wrestlers of India. She has won multiple medals for India- a Gold medal in 2022 Commonwealth Games, Bronze medal in 2018 Commonwealth Games, Bronze medal in the 2016 Olympics, Silver medal in 2014 Commonwealth Games, 4 medals from 2015-2019 in Asian Championships, Gold and Bronze medals in Commonwealth Championship and several other Junior Level International Medals.

On January 18, 2023, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, two of India’s most esteemed women wrestlers, came forth with accusations of sexual harassment against BJP MP Brij Bhushan. The accusations of sexual harassment were levied by seven women wrestlers, including a minor against Brij Bhushan and several other coaches. During January 2023, the wrestlers had taken to the streets of Delhi for the first time to demand the arrest of Singh and his removal as the chief. By the end of January, a five-member oversight committee was formed which was headed by athlete Mary Kom. The said committee was given four weeks to complete the investigation into the allegations.

When no steps were taken for four months and the report submitted by the oversight committee was not made public, the wrestlers resumed their sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar in the month of April. They also moved the Supreme Court to get a FIR against Brij Bhushan registered. It was only after the Supreme Court deemed the allegations raised by wrestlers to be of “serious nature” did the Delhi Police file the FIR against Brij Bhushan.

Since the beginning of the protest, the protesting wrestlers faced multiple threats, violence and abuse at the hands of the Delhi police and the government. Nonetheless, the sit in protest had continued for almost 50 days. Their protest was also supported by farmers. On May 28, the protesting wrestlers and their supporters were detained by the Delhi police as they were attempting to march towards the newly inaugurated Parliament building. At the inauguration, which was conducted by PM Narendra Modi, a video of Brij Bhushan being present was also released on social media. The detained protestors were released from police custody the next day. After their release, the protesting women wrestlers had threatened to immerse their medals, but were stopped by farmer leader Rakesh Tikait.

In the month of June, the minor complainant in the sexual harassment case withdrew her complaint and changed her statement. The father of the minor wrestler complainant came out in the open about the threats that he had been facing and the amount of pressure that the family had been under. The father also provided that he was being threatened by people whose names he couldn’t reveal and “his family is living in intense fear”, owing to which he took the complaint back. In the middle of June, the protesting wrestlers had halted their protest after the sports minister had assured them of a police investigation against Bhushan.

A complete timeline of the protest can be viewed here.

Status of the case against Brij Bhushan

Even though a FIR had been filed by the Delhi Police against Brij Bhushan on the order of the Supreme Court, Brij Bhushan is yet to see inside the of a jail. On June 15, Delhi Police had charge sheeted the BJP MP under Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (sexual harassment), 354D (stalking) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). He had been given bail by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Harjeet Singh Jaspal on July 20.

In the hearing of September 23, 2023, during the hearing arguments for framing of charges, the Delhi Police submitted to the Rouse Avenue Delhi court that Brij Bhushan “outraged the modesty” of the women wrestlers who filed harassment charges against him at every opportunity he got. As per a report of India Post, Additional Public Prosecutor Atul Srivastava, representing the Delhi Police, had also told the court that the former WFI chief “knew what he was doing” and his intention was to outrage the modesty of the wrestlers, which he also tried to cover up. The APP also argued that the actions of the accused were facilitated by the co-accused.

Additionally, the APP also pointed out that there are three types of evidence against Brij Bhushan which are enough to frame charges, which were- a written complaint and two recorded statements under Sections 161 (examination of witnesses by the police) and 164 (statements recorded by a Magistrate) under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

Related:

Clear case of re-victimisation: Former SC judge Madan B Lokur on Delhi Police’s handling of women wrestlers case

Protesting wrestlers will resume stir, say govt not ready to arrest WFI chief by June 15

Mumbai: Silent protest organised to condemn the injustice meted out to women wrestlers

FIRs suggest wrestlers had informed PM about their repeated sexual trauma in 2021

The post Wrestler Sakshi Malik quits wrestling as close aid of sexual harassment accused Brij Bhushan gets elected as president appeared first on SabrangIndia.

“I am granting bail on a bond of ₹25,000 each with certain conditions,” Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Harjeet Singh Jaspal said, after having reserved it in the afternoon.

While granting bail, the Delhi court imposed two conditions on him: to not leave the country without its prior permission, and to not offer any inducement to witnesses in the case. It is essential to emphasise here that the minor wrestler complainant had withdrawn her complaint against Singh citing threats and fear of life. Nevertheless, the accused were granted interim bail.

Neither opposing nor supporting the application: Delhi Police

While the hearing for the grant of regular bail to the accused was going on, the public prosecutor, representing Delhi Police, asked the court to try the accused as per law and impose certain conditions if relief was granted.

Shockingly, when the court asked the prosecutor if he was opposing the bail application, he said, “I am neither opposing nor supporting.” The prosecutor further told the court that “Application should be dealt as per law and the order passed by the court.”

It is essential to highlight here that based on the chargesheet, filed on June 13, the Delhi Police had said that in view of the “investigation so far,” Singh is “liable to be prosecuted and punished for offences of sexual harassment, molestation and stalking”. And sadly, today, they did not even oppose the bail petition.

Accused is very influential: Counsel for the complainants

The counsel who appeared for the complainants opposed the application of Brij Bhushan, saying the accused was very influential. “Bail should not be granted. If at all it is granted, strict conditions must be imposed. Witnesses have been approached from time to time, no threat though,” he told the court. Brij Bhushan’s counsel then told the court that he will abide by all conditions.

Background of the case:

On July 18, a Delhi court had granted two-day interim bail to Singh and Vinod Tomar in the said case. Notable, the Delhi Police filed a charge sheet against a six-time MP under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The sections include 354 (pertaining to assault or criminal force on a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (related to sexual harassment), 354D (concerning stalking), and 506 (relating to criminal intimidation).

Related:

Delhi Police on Brij Bhushan sexual harassment case: “Liable to be prosecuted and punished for sexual harassment, molestation and stalking”

Delhi police file chargesheet against BJP MP Brij Bhushan, submits cancellation report in POCSO Case

Coach accused of threatening Brij Bhushan complainants was also named in a wrestler’s 2017 sexual harassment FIR

Warning or threat, accused MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh sends ‘message’ to BJP’s top brass: UP

Delhi Police informs of formation of SIT in the case of sexual harassment allegations being levelled against Brij Bhushan Singh

Committee gives May 21 deadline for arrest of Brij Bhushan; its our protest not “hijacked”by farmers: Vinesh Phogat

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Judge Harjeet Singh Jaspal of the Rouse Avenue Court granted interim bail to the two accused and directed them to furnish bail bonds worth Rs 25,000. Notably, the arguments for regular bail will be heard after two days, on July 20.

Earlier, on July 14, the said Delhi court had issued summons to the two accused after taking cognisance of the charge sheet filed against them on June 13. Based on the chargesheet, the Delhi Police had said that in view of the “investigation so far,” Singh is “liable to be prosecuted and punished for offences of sexual harassment, molestation and stalking”. It is essential to note that Singh has not been arrested in this case, even after the sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, led by prominent wrestlers such as Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, for over 37 days and had demanded for his arrest. 

Today, in the Delhi court, Rajiv Mohan, counsel for both the accused, argued for grant of bail stating that the accused were charge-sheeted without arrest and should, therefore, be granted bail. Upon this, Special Public Prosecutor Atul Kumar Srivastava submitted his sole objection to the bail objection, stating that even though the charge sheet was filed without arrest, the accused might influence the witness in the case. It is essential to emphasise here that the minor wrestler complainant had withdrawn her complaint against Singh citing threats and fear of life. Nevertheless, the accused were granted interim bail. 

It is essential to highlight here that the Delhi police has invoked Sections 506 (criminal intimidation), 354 (outraging modesty of a woman); 354 A (sexual harassment); and 354 D (stalking) in the charge sheet against Singh. Furthermore, it has also been flagged in the said charge sheet that in one case, Singh’s harassment was “repeated and continuing”. It is essential to highlight here that if convicted, these charges could lead to a potential prison sentence of up to five years. The alleged incidents of sexual harassment are said to have occurred between 2016 and 2019 at the WFI office, at Singh’s official residence and also abroad, according to media reports.

Related:

Delhi Police on Brij Bhushan sexual harassment case: “Liable to be prosecuted and punished for sexual harassment, molestation and stalking”

Delhi police file chargesheet against BJP MP Brij Bhushan, submits cancellation report in POCSO Case

Coach accused of threatening Brij Bhushan complainants was also named in a wrestler’s 2017 sexual harassment FIR

Warning or threat, accused MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh sends ‘message’ to BJP’s top brass: UP

Delhi Police informs of formation of SIT in the case of sexual harassment allegations being levelled against Brij Bhushan Singh

Committee gives May 21 deadline for arrest of Brij Bhushan; its our protest not “hijacked”by farmers: Vinesh Phogat

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On Sunday, June 11, Singh organised a 50-jeep, roadshow that ran for 35 kilometres in his eastern Uttar Pradesh constituency of Kaisarganj before he addressed the  rally. The ostensible reason was to laud the performance of the nine-year-old Modi government, which Singh did, his shawl sporting an image of a the shawl-clad Modi himself.

Interestingly, at this rally organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party to give their sexual harassment-accused MP a platform, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said that will be contesting the 2024 polls despite the serious allegations made against him by several of India’s medal-winning wrestlers. The ‘Mahasampark Abhiyan’ was organised to celebrate nine years of the Narendra Modi regime.

Several BJP leaders from Uttar Pradesh shared the stage with Singh in Gonda, and the chief guest was Mohan Yadav, minister of state for higher education in Madhya Pradesh. Singh wore a scarf with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s face on it.

On being asked at the rally about whether he will contest in 2024, Singh said, as reported in The Hindu, “Kaiserganj se chunav ladunga (I will contest election from Kaiserganj).” He also claimed that the BJP would win all Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. “The BJP will form a majority government in 2024 under Modi ji’s leadership,” he continued.

“The main objective is to tell Prime Minister Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah that he is in a position to damage the BJP’s prospects in Kaisarganj, Gonda, Balrampur, Faizabad and Shravasti constituencies, from where his supporters came to participate in the public meeting held after the road show,” the associate, who didn’t want to be identified, said.

Singh’s fate hangs in the balance till June 15.

One of Singh’s team told The Telegraph, that the objective was to show the BJP’s central leadership that Singh enjoys large-scale political clout in his region. “The main objective is to tell Prime Minister Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah that even after the serious allegations against him being made public, he is still in a position to damage the BJP’s prospects in Kaisarganj, Gonda, Balrampur, Faizabad and Shravasti constituencies, from where his supporters came to participate in the public meeting held after the road show,” the aid said.

The motive behind the regime’s reluctance to act against the UP strongman is clear. The Modi government has so far stonewalled the wrestlers’ demand to have him arrested, apparently because it believes he can deliver the BJP a handful of seats in next year’s general election.

Just last week, Union Sports minister Anurag Thakur has assured the wrestlers that the Delhi police, who report to the Union home ministry, would complete their probe by June 15 and file a chargesheet. The associate further said Singh was aware of speculation that Modi and Shah might ask him to resign as MP, and that Shah might ask the police to arrest him. “But he is not ready to submit. In fact, he has defied party rules by declaring at the rally that he would contest from Kaisarganj in 2024,” the associate said.

A poll committee formed by the BJP before elections is alone authorised to pick the candidates. The roads along Singh’s jeep rally from his home in Vishnoharpur village to Balpur were largely empty. The saffron-clad MP stopped at about 10 places to be garlanded by a few dozen waiting supporters.

The public meeting that followed at Balpur, held ostensibly to celebrate the Modi government’s completion of nine years, attracted about 10,000 people. The six-time MP read out a Hindi couplet at the beginning of his speech and then declared: “I will contest again from Kaisarganj.”

The couplet was about continuing affection amid betrayal, but Singh refused to explain its significance to reporters after the event. “This is how I am,” he said and got into his car. Mohan Yadav, minister of state for higher education in Madhya Pradesh, was the chief guest at the meeting and several local BJP leaders were on the dais. 

Ask Amit Shah: Vinesh Phogat

Meanwhile, Vinesh Phogat, the double world medallist, on Sunday joined the protesting farmers in Punjab and on her way spoke to the media at Khatkar Toll Plaza in Haryana, PTI reported. Asked about the meeting the wrestlers had with home minister Shah, Phogat said: “They had given a few proposals that they can do that much for us but except the arrest of Brij Bhushan, everything is happening.”

When questioned on why Singh is not being arrested, the firebrand wrestler said: “You have to ask Amit Shah, why he (WFI chief) is not being arrested. He is such a powerful man that the government is trying to shield him. So getting him arrested is not easy but we are continuing our fight.”

There is speculation, the aide said, that Modi and Shah may ask Singh to resign or even order his arrest – but Singh is unwilling to accept this. “But he is not ready to submit. In fact, he has defied party rules by declaring at the rally that he would contest from Kaisarganj in 2024,” the associate told The Telegraph.

Singh did not directly talk about the allegations against him or the wrestlers’ ongoing protest, but started his speech with a couplet suggesting that he is the one being victimised. “Kabhi ashq, kabhi gham, to kabhi zeher piya jata hai. Tab jakar jamane me jiya jata hai. Yeh mila mujhko mohabbat ka sila, bewafa kehke mera naam liya jata hai. Isko ruswai kahen ki shohrat apni, dabe hontho se mera naam liya jata hai [Sometimes you drink tears, sometimes sadness, and at times poison. Only then do you live in society. This is the reward I have received for my love; they call me unfaithful. Call it notoriety or fame, they take my name with pursed lips].”

Announcing Sunday’s rally last week, Singh had said on Twitter, “I am organising a huge rally on June 11 at 10 am. This program is proposed at Shri Raghuraj Sharan Singh Mahavidyalaya, next to Balapur on Gonda-Lucknow road. All the supporters, workers, present and former office bearers of the party, respected Pradhan, Chhetrapanchayat members, block chiefs, presidents of municipalities, councilors, district panchayat members, district panchayat presidents and MLAs are cordially invited in the rally.”

Earlier, Singh had cancelled a rally planned in Ayodhya.

It is crucial to remember that Singh, who was the president of the Wrestling Federation of India, is currently facing criminal charges based on complaints of seven women wrestlers that he sexually harassed them. Wrestlers have been protesting against the government’s alleged inaction against the MP since January 2023. During recent discussions with Union home minister Amit Shah and sports minister Anurag Thakur, the wrestlers were reportedly promised that the police would complete its probe by June 15.

Related:

Protesting wrestlers will resume stir, say govt not ready to arrest WFI chief by June 15

“I changed my statement because I was scared, my family is living under constant threat”: father of the minor wrestlers’ complainant

FIRs suggest wrestlers had informed PM about their repeated sexual trauma in 2021

Battling the Indian sports industry: the cries for justice by women

Protests and Mahapanchayats announced in support of the protesting wrestlers, 5 days given till medals are immersed in Ganga River

Wrestler Protest: Law student moves NHRC, files complaint over the detention & brutal police action against protesting wrestlers

From deathly silence to violence: The journey of wrestlers struggling for justice

Protests erupt at Delhi police violent crackdown on Women Wrestlers, FIR, and nationwide outrage

Attempt to Drown out Wrestlers’ Protest with Song and Dance About ‘Temple of Democracy’

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On May 12, the Delhi Police informed a Delhi special court, which has been dealing with the sexual harassment accusations put by women wrestlers against WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the said allegations of sexual harassment. The women protestors have also made some other serious allegations against Singh, including physical abuse, dictatorial functioning and financial irregularities in the management of WFI.

The submission was made before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Harjeet Singh Jaspal in response to the court’s earlier order directing the police to file a status report in the case.

“Considering the seriousness of the case we have formed a SIT. The SIT will be investigating the case,” public prosecutor Atul Srivastava told the court, stating that a status report has been filed in the matter, as reported by the Telegraph. Reportedly, the public prosecutor had also requested that the said report must not be shared with anyone considering the nature of the case. The report has been filed by the Delhi Police in a sealed cover. Post the submission, the court posted the matter for further hearing on May 27.

It is essential to note that the above proceeding were a result of the plea moved by the wrestlers seeking monitoring of the investigation and recording of the statement of the alleged victims before the court. The judge had then issued notice to the Delhi Police.

It is further crucial to note, that amongst the women wrestlers who have been demanding the arrest of Singh, accusing him of sexually exploiting several women grapplers, a minor is also included. Thus, two FIRs have been lodged by the Delhi Police, including one under section 10 of POCSO Act against the BJP MP, who has denied all the charges.

Reacting on the said news, journalist and author Rajdeep Sardesai had posted the following tweet: “Breaking news: wrestler case update: Delhi Police to court: Considering the seriousness of the case we have formed an SIT. The SIT will be investigating the case: Brij Bhushan Saran Singh has denied allegations against him. Questions remain: why no action yet despite POCSO charges against the MP? Clearly, the authorities seem to believe an MP who was once a TADA detenu and who self-confessed to a murder on tape more than Olympian wrestlers.”

The said tweet can be accessed here:

As one looks at the tweet by journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, one of the many journalists and activists who have been showing their solidarity with the women wrestlers, it becomes clear that clear attempts are being made by the Delhi Police, that fall under the control of the Centre, to protect the BJP MLA from any persecution, even when the charged levelled against him are of serious nature. It is important to note that one of the Acts invoked against Singh is the prevention of Child against Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), a law which recognises sexual harassment of a child, and include serious punishments. The question that truly arises is: why are the wrestlers being compelled to approach the courts for every small step that the police are themselves supposed to take? Even for the filing of the FIR, the women wrestlers had had to approach the Supreme Court. Who is protecting Singh, and what is his background?

Get to know the accused, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

Singh is a six-term MP from Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda, having served five terms as a BJP member and once as an SP candidate in 2009. He previously represented Gonda and Balrampur, and now Kaiserganj. Prateek Bhushan, his son, is a two-term MLA from Gonda Sadar.

Singh was an active participant in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, or better to be referred as the Babri Masjid demolition, and was known for his staunch Hindutva ideology. According to his 2019 election affidavit, he was also named in the Babri demolition case and had criminal charges filed against him. 

He joined the SP in 2009 but quickly returned to the BJP. Despite his political career, Singh was interested in the sport of wrestling. The BJP MP also liked to refer to himself as “Shaktishali” and spent much of his youth in Ayodhya’s akhadas. He has been the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for almost a decade and vice-president of the United World Wrestling-Asia.

A confessional murderer and an accused in many criminal cases

“I have committed a murder in the past. Let people say what they want…I did commit a murder.”

The above-stated statement is not the confession of a convicted criminal, but a bold declaration made by Singh, who has never been tried for murder. Singh gave this confession in a 2022 interview with a web portal, prior to which it was not publicly known that Singh had committed a murder. Even though his affidavit for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections had mentioned four criminal cases, one under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 307 (attempt to murder) and other serious crimes, but the section for murder had been missing there too. It is important to note that despite his confession of murder, both the BJP and the opposition SP embraced him and covered up his crimes as he continued to get tickets and win election after election.

It should be pointed out here that Singh’s past is littered with criminal activities and crimes, some of which may have played a role in his selection as a BJP party member. In one of its stories, the Scroll had even quoted senior journalists from Gonda district as saying that Singh’s involvement in crime in the 1980s ranged from motorcycle/bike theft to running liquor stores. He even used to make boys search for coins at the bottom of temple ponds. He eventually became a civil contractor.

In the mid-1990s, his relationship with the underworld also came to the fore. He spent several months in Tihar Jail on charges of harbouring members of the Dawood Ibrahim gang. A case was registered against him under the Terrorist and Divisive Activities Prevention Act (TADA). He was later acquitted due to the lack of evidence.

Singh has also been the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) since 2011. For more than a decade, he has been the president of a national sports association, even after many allegation of use of muscle power in running the federation, installation of camera all around the vicinity, interfering with the diet of the wrestlers, and even taking away half of the sponsorship money the wrestler receive. It is also crucial to note here that Singh has been open and out about his behaviour, and had not even tried to hide his attitude or mince his rods. During a women’s national championship in Agra in 2021, Singh had told The Indian Express: “In March 2020, we had our national championships in Himachal Pradesh and I couldn’t go there. So, we installed cameras everywhere so I could see everything from my house in New Delhi.” His hooliganism was witnessed in 2021 during a junior level wrestling tournament in Ranchi, when he started hitting a wrestler on stage.

The video can be accessed here:

Singh is aware about the power he exerts, and the hold he has. “These are all strong men and women,” Singh had said in the 2021 interview, referring to the wrestlers. “To control them, you need someone stronger. Is there anyone stronger here than me?”

The BJP MP does not even fear the government, or tolerate their interference in his way of functioning with the wrestling federation. In the past, he has criticised the government for dealing directly with athletes under its flagship Target Olympic Podium Scheme and said that the federation would keep a check on private, not-for-profit organisations that support the wrestlers. Later, in December 2021, he was made a member of the government’s Mission Olympic Cell, which monitors and plans the preparations for the Olympics.

As is evident from the past of Singh, of getting away with even murder, and the influence he has on the government as well as over the wrestlers, it is no surprise that the Delhi Police is not taking any action against Singh, and the courts are being forced to get involved. It is also essential to note, that even though the sports minister Anurag Thakur on January 20 had given assurance to the protesting women wrestlers that Singh would be relieved of his duties as WFI president and an inquiry committee would be set up, he is yet to be removed from the post, and a SIT has only now been set up.

Related:

Committee gives May 21 deadline for arrest of Brij Bhushan; its our protest not “hijacked”by farmers: Vinesh Phogat

Farmers announce nationwide agitation in support of #WomenChampionWrestlers

Protesting wrestlers manhandled by drunk Delhi police officer at night, supporters and journalists detained

Independent mechanisms on sexual harassment at workplace imperative, NWMI stands in solidarity with women wrestlers

WFI leadership accused of sexual harassment by Indian women wrestlers, absence of redressal mechanisms the focus

Delhi police to file FIR against WFI President in sexual harassment case

391 complaints of sexual harassment at workplace received from Central Ministries: Government

PCI Takes Suo Moto Cognizance of Journalist Sakshi Joshi’s Manhandling by Delhi Police at Wrestlers’ Protest Site

The post Delhi Police informs of formation of SIT in the case of sexual harassment allegations being levelled against Brij Bhushan Singh appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesperson Rakesh Tikait, Khap Maham 24 chief Mehar Singh and Sankyut Kisan Morcha’s (non-political) Baldev Singh Sirsa joined the wrestlers on the dais and addressed the media. Hannan Mollah of the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) was also present.

“Many leaders from Khap panchayat and SKM attended the meeting today. We decided that members from every khap will come to the protest site every day. They will stay here during the day and return by the evening,” Tikait said before a huge gathering.

“The wrestlers’ committee will take care of the protest and we will support the wrestlers from outside. We have scheduled a meeting for May 21. If the government does not offer a resolution, we will devise our next strategy,” he added.

“If any emergency arises, if the wrestlers face any problem, the entire nation stands behind them.” The wrestlers, along with hundreds of supporters, carried out a candle light march in the evening. Slogans of ‘Inqalab Zindabad’ reverberated as the wrestlers walked holding each other’s hands. Patriotic songs such as ‘Mera Rang de basanti chola’ were played just before the march started.

The Telegraph reported on these developments. Wary of a large gathering in support of the wrestlers, the security arrangements were beefed up in advance with more than 500 personnel, including many women, from agencies such as Rapid Action Force (RAF), the Delhi Police and the CRPF deployed at the protest site. A veritable “army” where India’s women wrestling champions are on a day night protest!!

The turbaned farmers, clad in dhoti-kurtas, and numbering in hundreds were seen at the protest site on May 7 as a ‘Mahapanchayat’ discussed the next move on behalf of the wrestlers.

The scenes resembled the farmers’ protest that continued for 13 months until the government repealed the law.

So far, Delhi Police have recorded statements of the seven women complainants under section 161 while the statements under 164 (before a magistrate) under Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) are yet to be recorded.

These women champion wrestlers have accused Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan of sexual exploitation of several women wrestlers over a period of time and have demanded his removal.

Tikait said the tri-colour has been shamed and it will not be tolerated.

“We will help the wrestlers in every possible manner,” he said, adding that it will be a long haul and it may spread to the entire country.

“It (Jantar Mantar) will remain the protest site as of now. The protest will gather momentum and spread. We have to be prepared for a long battle,” he added.

“This is not a political protest, this is a non-political organisation. But a few politicians have come in support of the wrestlers, cutting across party lines.” Sirsa said, “We have also decided that we will force the government to arrest Brij Bhushan. The way farmers had fought their battle (against farm laws), the wrestlers will continue their struggle in the same way.” “I request that the government does not test our patience. They had tested us some time back and we had cleared the exam,” Sirsa said, referring to the farmers’ victory in getting the farm laws repealed.

Vinesh Phogat, the world championship medallist, also hinted that the protest may become bigger if their demands are not met.

“We can take a big call if a resolution does not come by May 21. No one has hijacked our protest, it’s just that people have joined us in our fight against injustice. These people respect us and care for our dignity,” she said.

“All the women can connect to this battle of ours. The supporters have given us strength. We are ready to fight.” Asked if they are mentally prepared to shun training and competition for a long time, she replied in negative.

“We will definitely compete. We will prepare a plan on how to go about it. We will surely go for competitions.” “We have just one demand that Brij Bhushan should be first arrested and then his interrogation should take place,” she said.

Related:

Farmers announce nationwide agitation in support of #WomenChampionWrestlers

Protesting wrestlers manhandled by drunk Delhi police officer at night, supporters and journalists detained

Independent mechanisms on sexual harassment at workplace imperative, NWMI stands in solidarity with women wrestlers

WFI leadership accused of sexual harassment by Indian women wrestlers, absence of redressal mechanisms the focus

Delhi police to file FIR against WFI President in sexual harassment case

391 complaints of sexual harassment at workplace received from Central Ministries: Government

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