On Friday, the Delhi Police informed the Supreme Court that it had decided to file a FIR in response to the accusations made by wrestlers against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
Delhi Police’s Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the SC panel led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud that the FIR would be filed by this evening. Senior attorney Kapil Sibal, who appeared on behalf of the wrestlers, sought the court to also give orders to provide safety to a juvenile girl who is one of the petitioner wrestlers due to the threat to her. Sibal stated that he is concerned for the minor girl and other wrestlers’ safety.
SG Tushar Mehta said that all these concerns can be addressed by the police.
The top court directed Delhi police to make an adequate assessment of threat perception and provide security to minor girl, who is a gold medalist. The court also asked Delhi Police to file an affidavit mentioning steps taken to provide security to the minor girl. The court listed the matter for May 5.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued has notice to Delhi Police on a wrestlers’ plea seeking registration of FIR against WFI president Brij Bhushan. The court has noted that there is a serious allegation that is contained in the petition by wrestlers who have represented India. The court had also clarified that the identity of the petitioners shall be redacted for the purpose of this petition.
The apex court’s direction came after Sibal along with another senior advocate Narendra Hooda pleaded for an urgent hearing on the wrestlers’ petition.
Sibal had apprised the SC that these are women wrestlers which include a minor.
Wrestlers have urged the top court to issue directions to Delhi police to lodge the FIR against Brij Bhushan as there is an inordinate delay in doing so.
WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was accused by the wrestlers of sexual misconduct and intimidation. The government established a five-member oversight council to oversee WFI operations. Boxer Mary Kom is heading the oversight committee which was formed to probe into the allegations levelled against the WFI and its chief Singh and other coaches.
On Monday, Delhi Police sought a report from the investigation committee set up by the Union Sports Ministry to investigate the allegations and has begun a probe into the fresh complaint by wrestlers.After a protest led by some prominent wrestlers of the country this January, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the formation of an ‘oversight committee’ to probe allegations levelled against the WFI and its chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and other coaches.
