A Delhi court has ordered the city police to immediately restore security for the four women wrestlers who have accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. This comes after the Resident Doctors' Association of Delhi AIIMS, RML Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College, and Indira Gandhi Hospital called off their 11-day strike following the Supreme Court's intervention to provide security to healthcare workers across the country. The court also directed the DCP, New Delhi to submit a detailed report on the withdrawal of security from the wrestlers, whose testimony is due on August 23.
Delhi Police Ordered to Restore Security for Accusers Against WFI Chief
In a significant development, a Delhi court has ordered the Delhi Police to immediately restore security for four women wrestlers who have accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment.
Background:
The allegations against Singh surfaced in January 2023, when several prominent wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik, staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. They accused Singh of sexual exploitation and financial mismanagement.
Following the protests, Singh stepped down as WFI chief, and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) formed an ad-hoc committee to investigate the allegations. However, the wrestlers alleged that the IOA committee was not taking their complaints seriously and that their security was being compromised.
Court Order:
On August 22, 2023, the Delhi High Court intervened and ordered the Delhi Police to provide 24-hour security to the four wrestlers who had filed police complaints against Singh. The court also directed the DCP, New Delhi, to submit a detailed report on the withdrawal of security from the wrestlers.
Significance:
The court's order is seen as a major victory for the wrestlers, who have been demanding protection and a fair investigation into their allegations. It also sends a strong message that the authorities will not tolerate harassment or intimidation of women who speak out against powerful figures.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What are the allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh?
Singh has been accused of sexual harassment, financial mismanagement, and creating a hostile environment for wrestlers.
2. Why did the wrestlers stage a protest?
The wrestlers alleged that the IOA committee was not taking their complaints seriously and that their security was being compromised.
3. What is the status of the investigation?
The IOA has formed an ad-hoc committee to investigate the allegations. The committee has submitted its report to the IOA, but the findings have not been made public.
4. Why did the Delhi Police withdraw security from the wrestlers?
The Delhi Police claims that the threat perception to the wrestlers had diminished. However, the wrestlers allege that they were still receiving threats and intimidation.
5. What is the significance of the court order?
The court order provides much-needed protection to the wrestlers and sends a message that harassment and intimidation will not be tolerated. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of the IOA's investigation into the allegations.
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