Final Arguments Heard in Sexual Harassment Case Against Former BJP MP

Court Proceedings in Sexual Harassment Case

The Rouse Avenue Court has conducted final arguments in the sexual harassment case filed by female wrestlers against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a former MP from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ex-president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Singh, along with former WFI Assistant Secretary Vinod Tomar, faces allegations of sexual misconduct during Singh's tenure as WFI chief. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwani Panwar presided over the proceedings, where the defense was represented by Advocate Rajiv Mohan, assisted by Advocates Rehan Khan and Rishabh Bhati.

During the hearings, Singh denied all allegations against him. The court has scheduled Wednesday for the final arguments from the complainants, after which a verdict is expected to be reserved. Previously, on May 12 of this year, the court recorded the statement of a member of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), and the testimony of the investigating officer has also been documented.

This case stems from complaints made by female wrestlers who protested at Jantar Mantar, accusing Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. Following these complaints, the Delhi Police registered an FIR and initiated an investigation.

After the investigation, the Delhi Police filed a charge sheet against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar on June 15, 2023, comprising nearly 1,500 pages. This charge sheet was filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 354, 354A, 354D, and 506(1). Additionally, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) issued a show-cause notice to Vinesh Phogat on May 9, citing allegations of misconduct and violations of anti-doping regulations, rendering her ineligible to participate in the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda.