The Fact India: The Supreme Court on Friday heard the petition of seven women wrestlers, including a minor, against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. During the hearing, the Delhi Police told the Supreme Court that it would file an FIR against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on charges of sexual exploitation. On the other hand, WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has said to resign on the basis of conditions.
On April 21, seven female wrestlers, including a minor, had complained of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan. When the case was not registered, the wrestlers filed a petition in the Supreme Court. During the hearing on Friday, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, on behalf of the wrestlers, said in the court that security should be provided to the women wrestlers and the retired judge should supervise the case. On this plea, the court has ordered the Delhi Police to provide security. The court has asked the police to file an affidavit by next Friday. It has to be told what steps he took. The next hearing will be on May 17.
According to media reports, the meeting of senior officers of Delhi Police has started. They are discussing which sections and acts should be applied in the FIR against Brij Bhushan. Here, WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said that if the wrestlers protesting accept their resignation, then I will give it. But, I will not give as a criminal. Now they will say that their tenure is over, what will happen with their resignation. If these players get up from the dharna and go back home, do their practice, then I will send their resignation.
Wrestlers spoke to the media after the Supreme Court’s decision. Bajrang Punia said that Brij Bhushan should be put in jail immediately. We will not get up from here till he is put in jail. They are saying that the players did not give any proof. Had the evidence not been given, the Supreme Court would not have ordered the FIR. Vinesh Phogat said that the FIR should have been lodged on the first day itself. Nothing is going to happen just with the FIR. There are already more than 85 FIRs against Brijbhushan. They will have to be removed from their posts and put in jail. We will not give any evidence to any committee or Delhi Police now. We will give evidence in the court itself.
Radhika Sriman says that only one girl has complained of sexual harassment. If it is so, then a case should have been registered even on the complaint of that one girl. Brij Bhushan should be removed from all posts with immediate effect, as he can misuse his positions. This fight is to get Brij Bhushan punished. Sakshi Malik said that we do not trust the Delhi Police. Still the case has been registered after the intervention of the Supreme Court. We will corporatize the Delhi Police as well, but we should be heard.
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