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Delhi court to decide on framing charges against ex-WFI chief for alleged sexual harassment of wrestlers

New Delhi, April 4 (IANS) A Delhi court has reserved its order on framing charges against BJP MP and former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, in an alleged sexual harassment case by six women wrestlers. The decision is set to be announced on April 18.

In February, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh had sought to be discharged in the case, citing delay in reporting the alleged offense and contradictions in the complainants’ statements. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Priyanka Rajpoot, of Rouse Avenue Court heard arguments from both sides.

The Delhi Police had refuted the argument of the accused that certain incidents occurred overseas, contending that the alleged acts of sexual harassment, attributed to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, both abroad and in India, constituted part of the same offense. His counsel pointed out discrepancies in timing and locations of alleged incidents, asserting no clear link between them.

The defence highlighted contradictions in the complainants’ statements while the prosecution argued that the case is not time-barred under Section 354 of the IPC. Additional Public Prosecutor Atul Srivastava addressed the issue of delay in filing complaints, citing fear among the women wrestlers about jeopardizing their careers if they spoke up.

The prosecution claimed there was sufficient evidence to proceed with the trial against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and co-accused Tomar, emphasizing that the act of sexual harassment was a continuing offense. The Delhi Police asserted that there is ample evidence to frame charges against Singh and proceed with the trial.

IANS

IANS, established in 1986, is India's largest independent news service, offering 24x7 news from India and South Asia, and a preferred source for diverse content across six business verticals.

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