Delhi Rouse Avenue Court has formally charged BJP MP and former WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Singh with sexual harassment allegations involving five women wrestlers.
Legal Proceedings:
During the court session at Rouse Avenue Courts, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Priyanka Rajpoot announced, “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.” The court also proceeded to frame charges against Singh under Section 506 Part 1 of IPC concerning victim no. 1 and 5. However, the allegations brought forth by victim no. 6 led to Singh’s discharge.
Accused no. 2, Vinod Tomar, faced charges under Section 506 Part 1 with respect to victim no. 1, while being discharged of the remaining offences.
Background:
This decision follows the Delhi Police’s filing of a chargesheet last month, citing Sections 354, 354A, 354D, and 506(1) of the Indian Penal Code against Singh and Tomar. Additionally, Section 109 (abetment) of IPC was invoked against Tomar. Notably, a separate case filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against Singh by a minor wrestler saw a cancellation report.
Legal Disputes:
Singh, who is currently out on bail along with co-accused Vinod Tomar, had previously sought further investigation and submissions regarding the framing of charges, claiming his absence from India during the alleged events.
Allegations:
The allegations of sexual harassment against Singh span from 2016 to 2019, encompassing incidents purportedly occurring at the WFI office, Singh’s official residence, and abroad.
As legal proceedings continue, the case has garnered significant attention, shedding light on issues of harassment within sports organizations. Stay tuned for further updates as the trial progresses.
Political
The BJP has recently nominated Karan Bhusan Singh, the son of Brij Bhusan Sharan Singh, to contest from the Kaiserganj Seat. This nomination serves as a clear indication that despite the ongoing sexual harassment case, the BJP stands firmly in support of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
