Wrestlers' Protest: SIT formed to investigate allegations against WFI chief, says Delhi Police
2 min read . Updated: 12 May 2023, 12:50 PM IST
PremiumThe WFI chief is accused of sexual harassment and intimidation by the grapplers.
The Delhi Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The WFI chief is accused of sexual harassment and intimidation by the grapplers. The ongoing protest demanding his arrest has entered its 18th day.
Delhi Police noted, “On the complaint of the wrestlers, the statement of WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was recorded and some documents were demanded. Brij Bhushan denied the allegations levelled against him. SIT has been formed with six police teams including four women police officers. A team of ten people was formed under the supervision of a woman DCP."
It is worth noting that it took Olympic champions and several successful wrestlers to come on street and protest to demand justice in sexual harassment case of sportsperson.
According to the Delhi Police, Assistant Secretary WFI Vinod Tomar has had his statements recorded. “Brij Bhushan Sharan has asked to collect some video evidence and mobile data in his clarification. SIT will also interrogate Brij Bhushan further."
The Delhi Police have sent teams to Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Haryana to collect evidence. They are also working with relevant agencies, including those outside the country, where allegations have been made.
The WFI chief is facing severe charges of sexual exploitation of several women wrestlers including a minor. The Delhi Police has filed two FIRs, including one under section 10 of the POCSO act against the BJP MP.
The protest has received support from Bharat Kishan Union Ekta (Azad). In addition to this, members of Mazdood Adhikar Sangathan, Sonipat and a small delegation of youth students from Bhagat Singh Youth Union, Maharashtra also came in support of the wrestlers on Thursday.
On April 23, the wrestlers returned to the protest site at Jantar Mantar, claiming that six women wrestlers, and a minor, filed a sexual harassment complaint against Singh.
On 28 April, Delhi Police filed two FIRs on following the notice by the Supreme Court. The protesting wrestlers have made it clear that they won't move until they get justice and Brij Bhushan is removed as the WFI chief and put behind bars.
(With inputs from agencies)