Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court has granted regular bail to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the outgoing chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), and Vinod Tomar Singh, the Federation’s assistant secretary, in a sexual harassment case involving women wrestlers. The court began hearing the regular bail plea on Thursday and issued the bail order later in the day.
Previously, the court had granted an interim bail of two days to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar Singh in the same case. The interim bail was given until the next date of hearing, and both accused were required to provide a bail bond of Rs 25,000 each.
The chargesheet against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar Singh was filed by Delhi police on June 15 based on complaints lodged by the women wrestlers. The chargesheet included sections 354, 354D, 345A & 506 (1) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), according to Special Public Prosecutor Atul Srivastava.
Two FIRs were registered against Brij Bhushan Singh based on the wrestlers’ complaints. One of the FIRs was under the Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, but a cancellation report has been filed for a minor wrestler due to a lack of evidence. The second FIR was filed by several wrestlers.
In the POCSO matter, Delhi Police recommended the cancellation of the case against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh after the minor wrestler, who had accused him of sexual harassment, changed her statement. The police confirmed there was no collaborative evidence in the case.
Delhi Police officials stated that based on the completion of the investigation, they filed a chargesheet in the wrestlers’ FIR and a police report under section 173 Cr PC for cancellation of the POCSO case. The chargesheet includes offenses under sections 354, 354A, and 354D of the IPC against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and offenses under sections 109, 354, 354A, and 506 of the IPC against Vinod Tomar Singh.
The court’s decision to grant regular bail to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar Singh is a significant development in the ongoing sexual harassment case involving women wrestlers. The case highlights the importance of ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for athletes, and it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold.
Both Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar Singh will have the opportunity to present their defenses as the trial progresses. The court will further examine the evidence and statements provided before reaching a final verdict in the case. Until then, the wrestling community and the public will closely follow the legal proceedings and look for justice to be served.
