In a significant development, a Delhi court has cleared Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former chief of India's wrestling federation, of sexual harassment charges filed by a minor female wrestler. The court's decision came after the Delhi police recommended cancellation of the case based on a recent report, which reflected the minor's father's admission that the complaint was false.
Singh, a former Member of Parliament from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), still faces separate allegations from six adult female wrestlers, insisting that he has not engaged in any form of sexual misconduct. The controversy surrounding him gained widespread attention in 2023 amidst escalating protests from prominent Indian wrestlers, including Olympic medallists and world champions. These athletes campaigned for accountability, leading to their detention when they attempted to march to India's parliament, an event that drew international condemnation, particularly from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Despite the protests, the Indian government's response has been scrutinized, particularly given Singh's political ties. After intense negotiations with government officials, the protesting wrestlers agreed to temporarily suspend their demonstrations, following assurances that appropriate action would be taken before June 2023. Nonetheless, the situation escalated, as multiple allegations surfaced, with claims of molestation occurring during training camps and competitions. In light of the serious nature of the minor's accusations, police had enforced the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.
In a surprising turn of events, the minor later withdrew her allegations, a decision that sparked concerns among wrestlers and activists about potential external pressures influencing her stance. Comments from wrestler Sakshi Malik suggested she believed the minor felt coerced into retracting her claims.
On Monday, it was reported that both the minor and her father expressed satisfaction with the police investigation, and they did not object to the suggestion for the case to be dropped due to lack of corroborating evidence. Following the controversy, Singh resigned from his position within the wrestling federation, which has since faced operational challenges and scrutiny from the international wrestling community, including a temporary suspension.
The fallout of this controversy extends into the political sphere, with Singh being denied a candidacy for the upcoming 2024 election, while his son has successfully claimed the seat once held by the senior Singh. As the wrestling federation resumes normal activities, many continue to question the integrity of its governance in the aftermath of these tumultuous events.
