Wrestlers’ protest: In a stunning turn of events, the father of a 17-year-old wrestler, who accused former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment, made a complete U-turn on Wednesday. He said they levelled such serious charges against the BJP MP in a “state of anger” after his daughter allegedly faced “discrimination” by the WFI.
In an interview with News18, the father further clarified that they have just changed the statement in the court and not withdrawn the case.
‘In a state of anger’
“We had levelled allegations of sexual assault in a state of anger after WFI discriminated against my daughter. Bhushan did not behave inappropriately with my daughter. We have changed my statement under Section 164 before a magistrate on June 5. I was alone in this fight as nobody helped me at that time, except the wrestlers’ fraternity. My family has been living in trauma since the matter was reported. On June 5, we clarified in the Supreme Court that there was no sexual assault by the WFI chief. But, there are allegations of discrimination against WFI,” the father said.
He added, “We changed our statement without any greed, pressure, or fear. It is absolutely correct that my daughter is a minor. We have not withdrawn the case, just changed the statement.”
Notably, a statement under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) before a magistrate holds evidentiary value in court.
The wrestler’s father gave the statement after reports claimed that the minor, on whose statement a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case was lodged against Brij Bhushan, has withdrawn her complaint.
Protest suspended till June 15
On the other side, the protesting wrestlers on Wednesday evening agreed to suspend their agitation till June 15. They did so after the government assured them of filing a chargesheet against Brij Bhushan by then and holding the elections to the sports body by the month end.
Wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik also met Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur. Three days back they had also met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and discussed their demands.
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