Delhi Court Reserves Order on interim Bail to WFI Chief Accused of Sexual Harassment

New Delhi, July 20, 2023: In a significant development, the Delhi police did not oppose granting interim bail to the outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faces allegations of sexual harassment from several women wrestlers.

During the bail hearing at the Rouse Avenue court, the judgment was reserved, and the pronouncement is scheduled for 4 pm.

Representing the wrestlers, the lawyer opposing Singh’s bail petition emphasized his influence and the potential to tamper with witnesses. The lawyer requested that strict conditions be imposed, preventing him from contacting the complainants or witnesses.

Responding to the court’s query, Singh’s lawyer, Rajiv Mohan, assured that there is no threat from the accused and he will not make any such attempts.

Interestingly, the Delhi Police maintained a neutral stance, stating, “We are neither opposing the bail petition nor supporting it. The court can decide.”

Earlier, the court had granted Singh interim bail for two days, along with the suspended assistant secretary of WFI, Vinod Tomar.

The women wrestlers raised concerns about the government-formed oversight panel, alleging bias in favor of Singh, who is a BJP MP. The six-member panel, led by legendary Indian boxer MC Mary Kom, submitted its report to the government, which has not been made public.

Despite a chargesheet being filed against Singh by the Delhi Police on June 15, he has refused to step down from his position. The charges against him include sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, and stalking.

The court’s decision on the bail plea is eagerly awaited, given the gravity of the accusations and the prominence of the accused in the sports federation.