New Delhi: Supreme Court heard the wrestlers’ petition seeking the registration of an FIR against WFI President Brij Bhushan Singh and Delhi Police said that they will register an FIR. The Apex Court also directed Delhi Police to make an adequate assessment of threat perception and provide security to the minor girl, who was alleged to have been sexually harassed by Brij Bhushan.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Delhi Police, told the court that the police will register FIR by today evening. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal asked SC to issue directions to the police to provide safety to women wrestlers, and the same to be monitored by a retired judge. However, SG Mehta, said that these concerns can be addressed by the police.
Supreme Court begins hearing wrestlers’ petition seeking registration of FIR against WFI president Brij Bhushan
Delhi Police tells the Court that they will register an FIR. pic.twitter.com/chVSkFn6ye
— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2023
The bench headed by CJI DY Chandrachud, after hearing the arguments, asked the police to file an affidavit mentioning steps taken to provide security to the minor. SC also termed the allegations to be ‘serious’.
Supreme Court directs Delhi Police to make an adequate assessment of threat perception and provide security to minor girl
— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2023
Wrestlers have filed seven police complaints against the WFI chief. After protesting earlier this year, wrestlers resumed their protest on April 23 citing no action was taken by the oversight committee set up by the Sports Ministry. The government did not release the findings of the committee, which led to the wrestlers losing trust in it.
Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and world championship medallist Vinesh Phogat are leading the protests at Jantar Mantar. Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra and boxing world champion Nikhat Zareen also extended their support to the wrestlers.
#WATCH | Last time also I met with them (wrestlers). Formed a committee for the investigation. More woman members were included in the committee for the ease of the women wrestlers so that they could share their problems with them without any hesitation. We also asked IOA to form… pic.twitter.com/CZdgc2NMHa
— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2023
The protesters are demanding WFI be dissolved and a new transparent body be formed as they allege criminal intimidation and financial misappropriation by the federation.
