In a development related to the sexual harassment allegations made by women wrestlers last year, former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh and official Vinod Tomar have pleaded not guilty before the Delhi Rouse Avenue Court. When asked if they pleaded guilty to the charges, Singh reportedly stated, “There’s no question of pleading guilty. I haven’t done anything wrong.” Tomar echoed these sentiments, submitting before the court, “All the allegations being leveled are false and I have the evidence which I will produce before the court in due time.”
This development comes after the court framed charges against Singh under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 354 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty) and 354A (sexual harassment) based on the allegations of five complainants. The court also framed charges under Section 506-part 1 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC based on the allegations of two complainants. However, the court discharged him on the allegations of the sixth complainant. Simultaneously, the court also framed charges against Tomar under Section 506-part 1 of the IPC on the allegations of one complainant.
Prior to these pleas of not guilty, the court, based on a May 10 news report by ANI, had found sufficient material to frame charges against Brij Bhushan. Commenting on the court’s order framing charges against him, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh had earlier said, “Prima facie, the court has framed the charges… Except for one case, they have framed charges in the remaining cases. I welcome the decision of the judiciary and now doors have opened for me…”
It is important to note that the allegations against Singh and Tomar are serious and should be thoroughly investigated and adjudicated in a fair and impartial manner. The outcome of the court proceedings will be closely watched by the wrestling community and the public at large.
