Ex-WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Singh: Delhi Police Files Closure Report In POCSO Case But chargesheeted In Sexual Harassment

The Delhi Police has filed a cancellation report in a Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) case against BJP MP and former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh.

However, a chargesheet has been filed against him in a sexual harassment case filed by prominent female wrestlers.

The wrestlers had approached a magisterial court in Delhi’s Rouse Avenue District, seeking the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Singh. The chargesheet was filed while the wrestlers continued their protest against Singh at Jantar Mantar in the national capital.

Previously, the wrestlers had requested a court-monitored investigation and urged the court to seek a status report through their lawyers. The police chargesheet includes offences under Sections 354 (outraging modesty), 354A (sexually coloured remarks), 354D (stalking), and 506 (1) (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). However, in light of a minor wrestler retracting the allegations against Singh, the police filed a cancellation report regarding the cases filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act).

The wrestlers had earlier approached the Supreme Court to request the registration of an FIR against Singh. The Delhi Police subsequently informed the Supreme Court that the FIR had been registered, and the investigation was underway, with statements being recorded. Taking into account the assurances given by the Delhi Police, the Supreme Court closed the case and noted that it had previously directed the provision of security to the complainants, which had been duly carried out by the Delhi Police.

The apex court further stated that for any other relief, the petitioners may approach the appropriate jurisdictional magisterial court or the High Court.