Delhi Police Recommends dropping of POCSO case against Brij Bhushan as Minor Wrestler recanted Allegations

Digital Desk: On Thursday, the Delhi Police filed a Cancellation report in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) case against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at Patiala House Court, as well as a chargesheet in the Rouse Avenue Court in the second FIR pertaining to sexual harassment allegations against the outgoing WFI president. Last week, Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Anurag Thakur promised protesting wrestlers that the Delhi Police had been directed to file the chargesheet by June 15, while also stating that the wrestlers had decided to withdraw all forms of protest until that date.

"In the POCSO matter, we have submitted a police report under section 173 Cr PC requesting a cancellation of the case based on statements of the complainant, i.e., the victim's father and the victim herself," the Delhi Police stated.

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Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was the subject of two FIRs filed by the Delhi Police. The first FIR was filed under the POCSO Act in response to claims made by the juvenile wrestler, while the second was filed in response to outraging modesty. The FIRs detail multiple claimed instances of sexual harassment, unwanted touching, groping, stalking, and intimidation by Singh over a decade. 

The date of the hearing on the Cancellation report in the minor's case is July 4. In it, The minor's statement and details of the investigation thus far were given by Delhi Police. When no corroborating evidence is uncovered, a Cancellation Report is filed. 

This comes after the father of the young wrestler, who filed a complaint under the POCSO Act, stated that Brij Bhushan did not sexually harass his daughter, but instead discriminated against her. The minor wrestler's father told various news outlets that the WFI chief had not sexually harassed his daughter, but that his approach was "partial in nature against her." He claimed they levelled the sexual harassment complaint out of "anger" and that some of their claims were "false."

According to sources, the minor wrestler has already withdrawn the sexual harassment charges and repudiated her statement. In her first statement to the magistrate, the juvenile mentioned sexual harassment. The youngster, however, dropped the complaint in the second statement, adding, "I was not selected, I had worked very hard." I was depressed, so I filed a sexual harassment complaint in rage."

Wrestlers made four demands during a conference last week: the arrest of WFI leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the withdrawal of FIRs against the wrestlers, the expulsion of Brij Bhushan and any of his family members from the WFI, and the nomination of a woman president to the highest wrestling body.

So far, the sports minister has agreed to one of these demands: the withdrawal of FIRs. Anurag Thakur further stated that the WFI will develop an internal grievance redressal body, which will be led by a woman.

Wrestlers have demanded an investigation and arrest of WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, alleging him of sexually exploiting prospective wrestlers, including a kid.

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a BJP MP, remarked ahead of the chargesheet filing, "Let the chargesheet be filed, I don't have anything to say." The case is in Court; let us await the outcome."

On Sunday, the BJP MP announced his intention to fight for the Kaisarganj seat in the Lok Sabha elections next year. 

Brij Bhushan has continuously refuted the claims, claiming that Haryana Congress leaders conspired against him because of his reforms as WFI chief.