The Delhi Police has denied the allegation made by Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who had accused the police of withdrawing security for women wrestlers who are preparing to testify against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
On 22 August 2024, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat took to the social media platform X to accuse the Delhi Police, stating that, “Delhi Police has withdrawn the security of the women wrestlers who are going to testify against Brij Bhushan in the court. @DelhiPolice @DCWDelhi @NCWIndia.”
जिन महिला पहलवानों की बृजभूषण के ख़िलाफ़ कोर्ट में गवाहियाँ होने वाली हैं, दिल्ली पुलिस ने उनकी सुरक्षा हटा ली है @DelhiPolice @DCWDelhi @NCWIndia
— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) August 22, 2024
Promptly, the Delhi Police have refuted claims that they did not remove any security for women wrestlers and explained that the security personnel were temporarily reassigned for routine drills and training.
In a rebuttal issued via its official X account, the Delhi Police stated, “The security provided to the wrestlers hasn’t been withdrawn; it was decided to request Haryana Police to takeover the responsibility in future, since the protectees normally reside there. The assigned Delhi Police PSOs misunderstood this decision and got delayed in reporting today. The situation has been rectified. Security cover continues.”
The security provided to the wrestlers hasn't been withdrawn; it was decided to request Haryana Police to takeover the responsibility in future, since the protectees normally reside there.
— DCP New Delhi (@DCPNewDelhi) August 22, 2024
Furthermore, Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla clarified that the security coverage was never withdrawn but instead, it was decided that the Haryana Police would take over, given that the wrestlers usually reside in Haryana. He noted that this is a standard procedure, and some security officers have already returned, while others will arrive later in the day. Mahla also mentioned that the wrestlers were being informed of the change. He attributed the confusion to a misunderstanding by the Delhi Police PSOs, who were delayed in reporting. “The situation has been resolved, and security cover remains in place,” Mahla confirmed.
In related legal developments, the Rouse Avenue Court had summoned a survivor and witness in July to give evidence in a sexual harassment case against Singh. The court aimed to expedite the proceedings initiated by the women wrestlers against Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar. Charges were formally framed against Singh on 21 May 2024, which he and Tomar denied, requesting a trial. The court had earlier ordered the framing of charges on 10 May 2024, based on sufficient evidence of sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of five women wrestlers.
Singh faces charges under Sections 354 and 354A of the IPC, as well as Section 506 (1) based on the allegations of two women. Tomar faces a charge under Section 506 (1) but has been discharged from other allegations.
In the most recent hearing on 6th August, Sub-Inspector Rashmi, who played a key role in the investigation, testified about collecting photographic evidence from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Lucknow and Sir Chhotu Ram Stadium in Rohtak, provided by one of the victims. An Additional Public Prosecutor conducted her testimony under the supervision of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Priyanka Rajpoot.
Another key prosecution witness and victim could not attend the hearing due to medical issues. Her testimony has been rescheduled for 23 August 2024.
(With inputs from ANI)
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