New Delhi, August 22, 2024 – In a significant development, a Delhi court has directed the city police to immediately reinstate the security of a female wrestler who has accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. The interim order was issued by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Priyanka Rajpoot, emphasizing the necessity of the wrestler’s safety as she is scheduled to appear in court on Friday to record her statement.
The court’s decision came in response to applications filed by senior advocate Rebecca John on behalf of three wrestlers, who claimed that their security was abruptly withdrawn on Wednesday night. The court has instructed the police to submit a detailed report by Friday explaining the reasons for the withdrawal of the applicants’ security.
जिन महिला पहलवानों की बृजभूषण के ख़िलाफ़ कोर्ट में गवाहियाँ होने वाली हैं, दिल्ली पुलिस ने उनकी सुरक्षा हटा ली है @DelhiPolice @DCWDelhi @NCWIndia
— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) August 22, 2024
Court’s Interim Order
Magistrate Rajpoot’s interim order mandates the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) concerned to make immediate and appropriate arrangements for the complainant’s security until her deposition is complete and until further orders from the court. The court has also issued a notice to the DCP to file a compliance report on the next date.
Vinesh Phogat’s Allegations
On Thursday evening, prominent Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat took to social media platform X to allege that the Delhi Police had withdrawn the security of the women wrestlers who are set to testify against Singh in court. Phogat’s post tagged the Delhi Police, the National Commission for Women, and the Delhi Commission for Women, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Phogat, who had reached the Paris Olympics final in her weight category but was disqualified for being overweight ahead of the gold medal bout, expressed her concerns about the safety of the complainants. According to the applications filed, security arrangements were initially made for the complainants following the Supreme Court’s directions after assessing their threat perception.
Security Withdrawal Controversy
The applications stated that the complainants had been provided with Personal Security Officers (PSOs) for their protection. However, the complainants were recently informed by their PSOs that their security had been withdrawn as per directions from higher officials, just one day before the court hearing where complainant no.4 is required to testify.
The applications urged the court to pass necessary directions to ensure the safety and security of the applicants, enabling them to testify without fear or intimidation.
Court’s Directive
The court’s directive underscores the importance of ensuring the safety of the complainants in sensitive cases such as this. The detailed report from the police, expected by Friday, will shed light on the reasons behind the sudden withdrawal of security and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect the complainants.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings