A Delhi court is set to resume recording the statement of one of the female wrestlers accusing Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India, of sexual harassment on March 3.
The hearing, originally scheduled for Saturday, was adjourned as Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Vaibhav Chaurasiya was on leave.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the seriousness of the allegations and the high-profile nature of the individuals involved. Last May, the court framed charges of sexual harassment and using force to outrage women’s modesty against Singh, following a criminal complaint filed by the female wrestlers.
These charges stem from allegations that Singh exploited his position as the head of WFI to sexually harass the athletes. Singh, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has denied all accusations and pleaded not guilty, opting for a trial to contest the claims made against him.
Along with the charges of sexual harassment, the court also framed a charge of criminal intimidation against Singh. The intimidation charge stems from accusations that Singh and his co-accused, former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar, allegedly threatened the wrestlers to prevent them from speaking out.
Tomar, who is also facing charges of criminal intimidation, has similarly denied the accusations.
This case has become a significant moment in the fight against sexual harassment in Indian sports, particularly as it involves well-known figures within the wrestling community. The brave decision by the wrestlers to come forward has ignited conversations about the safety and protection of athletes, especially women, within sports organizations.
As the legal process continues, the focus now shifts to the next hearing on March 3, where the statement of the female wrestler will continue.
This case is part of a larger conversation about sexual misconduct in professional settings, especially in Indian sports, which has increasingly come under scrutiny.
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