Credit: X
In an aspiring move, the Rose Avenue court of New Delhi has framed the charges against ex-WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh over the sexual harassment of the female wrestlers while being head of the body. The case was filed by a female wrestler last year in June and dragged on for several months with the BJP leader acquitting from the case every time.
The court has labelled charges on Brij Bhushan for harassment of five female wrestlers with the court acquitting Brij for the charges from the sixth wrestler. The charges were framed against Bhushan Singh under sections 354 and 354A and also ordered the case against ex-WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar, also for the sexual harassment of female players.
Fighting for justice for the past year, India’s top wrestlers Bajrang Punia, and Sakshee Malikkh, among others celebrated the victory with a joyous post on their social media handles. Writing the development as a big victory, Punia wrote, “Charges have been framed against Brij Bhushan. Thanks to the honourable court. This is a big victory for the struggle of women wrestlers. The daughters of the country have had to go through such a difficult time, but this decision will give relief. Those who trolled the women wrestlers should also be ashamed. Satyameva Jayate.”
Paying her gratitude to the Honorable Court, Rio Olympic medalist Sakshee Malikkh wrote, “Honorable Court has framed charges against Brij Bhushan Singh. We thank the Honorable Court. We had to sleep on the streets for many nights in the heat and rain, and had to give up our good careers, only then have we been able to take a few steps forward in the fight for justice. Heartfelt gratitude to those who showered love and blessings and may God bless those who trolled and said bad things. Long live mother India.”
The Delhi Police have made a 1599-page long chargesheet against Brij Bhushan and Vinod and have stated that both the accused are allowed to trial ‘without arrest’ owing to their continuous compliance with the directions set by 41A CrPC and by attending investigation.
It further stated that the politician was liable to be prosecuted and punished for offences of sexual harassment and molestation following the statements of 44 witnesses and statements which were recorded under CrPC 164.
