Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the accused of sexually abusing several women wrestlers during his tenure as the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), has expressed confidence in his political career amidst mounting scrutiny. In a video that has since gone viral, Singh can be heard defiantly challenging his critics regarding his candidacy in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The incident unfolded during an event held in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament posed a question in Hindi, asking, "Kaun kaat raha hai uska naam batao?…kaatoge aap? Kaatoge?…" (Who will cancel my ticket? Will you do it? Will you?…).
As the video gained traction on social media, a wave of disapproval washed over Brij Bhushan's perceived arrogance, especially considering the ongoing investigation into the allegations against him.
Delhi Women's Commission Chief Swati Maliwal shared the video on X insinuating a wider support network backing Singh, enabling him to flaunt such audacity. She remarked, "Brij Bhushan, who sexually exploited the daughters who brought medals for the country, is openly challenging who has the courage to cancel his ticket? Only a big man must be in charge of this, that is why there is so much arrogance of power."
On a recent occasion, the Delhi Police presented their case to the district Rouse Avenue Court, highlighting that Brij Bhushan "missed no opportunity to harass women wrestlers" during his tenure as the WFI president, spanning from 2012 to 2023.
The police asserted that Singh was fully aware of his actions and that there was a clear intent behind his actions. Appearing before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Harjeet Singh Jaspal, Special Public Prosecutor Atul Srivastava argued that all the incidents were interconnected, leading to the consolidation of complaints into a single FIR.
To substantiate his argument, the Special Public Prosecutor referenced incidents that occurred in Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Bellary, and New Delhi as evidence of the accused's intent. He further emphasised that the oversight committee had never absolved Singh of these allegations.
The Delhi Police filed a charge sheet against the six-time Lok Sabha MP on June 15, invoking sections 354 (assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (sexual harassment), 354D (stalking), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The case was initiated following a month-long protest led by prominent wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and others, demanding justice for the alleged victims of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's misconduct.