The Delhi Police informed the Supreme Court that the wrestlers, including a juvenile complainant, had received the requisite security notwithstanding the continuing protest by professional wrestlers in the nation’s capital.
Top Indian wrestlers have accused Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment while staging a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar since April 23. Following a complaint made to the Connaught Place police station on April 21 alleging that Brij Bhushan, the head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), had harassed and exploited seven female wrestlers, including one minor, top wrestlers are staging a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar.
Following a petition filed by wrestlers regarding their security, Delhi Police today told the Supreme Court that it has provided security to wrestlers.After observing the petition’s purpose has been served, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud closed the matter at this stage.Supreme Court noted that the purpose of the wrestlers’ petition has been served as an FIR was registered and security has been provided to wrestlers including a minor complainant.
The top court said, “We close the proceedings at this stage. Further petitioners can approach the magistrate or the High Court in its jurisdiction if they wish for something else.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta apprised the top court that proper security has been provided to the minor.Mehta apprised the apex court that Delhi Police carried out a threat assessment for other wrestlers and found no threat to others. Mehta said that however proper security was given to the other six wrestlers and three armed police officers have been deployed at Jantar Mantar.
Senior Advocate Harish Salve appeared for Brij Bhushan and apprised the court that his client has not been impleaded as a party in the matter and urged the court to be heard.
SG Tushar Mehta apprised SC that the investigation is ongoing and a sealed cover report has been filed.Further, he also informed the top court that the police have examined the complainants and a senior lady officer and her team are probing the matter.Wrestler’s counsel told Supreme Court that the accused is giving an interview and naming the complainants.
