New Delhi (Agency): The intent of the oversight panel investigating sexual harassment allegations against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has been questioned by the female wrestlers involved in the case. In the charges filed by Delhi Police, they claim that the panel demonstrated bias towards Singh.
Singh, who is stepping down as WFI chief, has been summoned to appear in court this Tuesday, alongside the Federation’s Assistant Secretary Vinod Tomar.
A government-established, six-member panel led by iconic Indian boxer MC Mary Kom conducted the investigation. Their report, however, has not been made public.
The women involved in the case have stated separately that they perceived the panel as being biased in favor of Singh, who is also a BJP MP.
The charge-sheet, spanning 1,599 pages, includes the statements of 44 witnesses and six statements from the women. These testimonies were recorded under CrPC 164.
One woman said, “Even after giving my statement before the (oversight) committee whenever I visited the Federation office, the accused looked at me with distasteful and lustful eyes and made wrong gestures which made me feel insecure.”
She further stated that her video-recorded statement was interrupted and she was denied a copy. This, she fears, may lead to tampering with her testimony to protect the accused. Another woman revealed that she was included in the WFI’s sexual harassment committee without her consent. “The accused, in conspiracy with accused No. 2 and other unknown persons, has deliberately done this to suppress my voice and allegations against him.”
She also reported that the oversight panel refused to provide her with a copy of her recorded statement. The Delhi Police justified not arresting Singh and Tomar, stating that they have complied with the law by participating in the investigation.
Forensic results of seized digital/electronic devices are yet to be received, according to the police. They assure that these results, along with an analysis of the necessary Call Detail Records (CDRs), will be promptly submitted for the purpose of prosecution.
