New Delhi, May 17 — A Delhi court on Saturday summoned the wrestler who had accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment when she was a minor.
Additional Sessions Judge Gomti Manocha issued the summons while hearing a plea regarding the police's closure report, which had recommended cancelling the case filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The complainant has been directed to appear before the court on May 26.
Wrestler Previously Supported Closure Report
During in-chamber proceedings on August 1, 2023, the complainant informed the then-presiding judge that she was satisfied with the Delhi Police investigation and did not object to the case being closed.Earlier, on June 15, 2023, Delhi Police had filed a closure report, citing a lack of corroborative evidence. The report followed a significant development in the investigation, where the minor's father admitted to making a false complaint against Singh as an act of retaliation for perceived injustices against his daughter.
Allegations and Charges
While the POCSO case involving the minor wrestler saw no corroboration, Singh remains charged with sexual harassment and stalking in a separate case filed by six women wrestlers. Those charges are unrelated to the complaint lodged under the POCSO Act.Legal Context and Singh’s Denial
Under the POCSO Act, proven charges can attract a minimum imprisonment of three years, depending on the specific provisions invoked.Despite the police recommending cancellation, the court must still independently decide whether to accept the closure report or direct further investigation.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a former BJP Member of Parliament, has denied all allegations against him.
