Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has alleged that the Delhi Police has removed the security assigned to female wrestlers who are set to provide testimony against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a sexual harassment case being heard in Delhi court.
"Delhi Police has withdrawn the security of the women wrestlers who are going to testify against Brij Bhushan in the court," Vinesh Phogat said in a post on X.
Vinesh's claim suggests that the move to withdraw the security of the women wrestlers may impact their ability to safely appear in court and deliver their testimonies.
Responding to the statement, Delhi Police issued a clarification saying "The security provided to the wrestlers hasn't been withdrawn; it was decided to request Haryana Police to take over the responsibility in future since the protectees normally reside there."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." DCP New Delhi said in a post on X.
Meanwhile, a Delhi Court on Thursday directed the Delhi Police to make immediate arrangements for the security of a women wrestler who will testify against Brij Bhushan tomorrow, a report in Live Law said. The report said that ACJM Priyanka Rajpoot of Rouse Avenue Courts passed the interim order after three women wrestlers filed an application alleging that the Delhi Police withdrew their security.
In May, the court had framed sexual harassment charges against Singh with respect to five women wrestlers. However, he pleaded not guilty.