Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat claimed on August 22 that the Delhi Police withdrew the security of women wrestlers set to testify against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a sexual harassment case. Phogat, who posted her concerns on social media, said both she and fellow wrestler Sakshi Malik had their security removed. Malik echoed Phogat’s statement on social media.
Delhi Police Clarifies Phogat And Malik’s Claims
Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik shared their statements on the security of women wrestlers on social media. The Delhi Police quickly responded to these claims, stating that security had not been withdrawn but had been reassigned to Haryana Police, as the wrestlers primarily reside there. They admitted that a misunderstanding led to a delay in reporting but assured that security cover would continue.
The security provided to the wrestlers hasn't been withdrawn; it was decided to request Haryana Police to takeover the responsibility in future, since the protectees normally reside there.
— DCP New Delhi (@DCPNewDelhi) August 22, 2024Wrestlers’ Legal Team Approaches Delhi Court
In response, the legal team for the complainant wrestlers approached a Delhi court. The court directed the police to immediately restore the security cover and demanded a detailed report on the situation by Friday, August 23. The court’s order followed an application filed by senior advocate Rebecca John who was representing the wrestlers.
Chief Judicial Magistrate Reviews Case
Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Priyanka Rajpoot at Rouse Avenue Courts reviewed the case and issued a temporary order requiring the police to provide security for the complainant wrestler until the court gives further instructions. Priyanka Rajpoot stated, “In the meantime, as an interim measure to ensure the safety of complainant/victim no. 4 (as per list of witnesses), the DCP concerned is directed to make immediate and appropriate arrangements for her security until her deposition is complete and until further orders from this Court,” the Court ordered”.
The Brij Bhushan Sexual Harassment Case
The controversy comes as the wrestlers prepare to testify against Brij Bhushan, who faces charges of sexual harassment and intimidation. The case gained significant attention following the wrestlers’ public protests last year, which led to the suspension of WFI activities and the sidelining of WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar. The Delhi Police have confirmed that they are working to rectify the situation and ensure the safety of the wrestlers. Meanwhile, the court’s involvement aims to ensure that security measures are properly maintained as the case progresses.
जिन महिला पहलवानों की बृजभूषण के ख़िलाफ़ कोर्ट में गवाहियाँ होने वाली हैं, दिल्ली पुलिस ने उनकी सुरक्षा हटा ली है @DelhiPolice @DCWDelhi @NCWIndia
— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) August 22, 2024जिन महिला पहलवानों की बृजभूषण के ख़िलाफ़ कोर्ट में गवाहियाँ होने वाली हैं, दिल्ली पुलिस ने उनकी सुरक्षा हटा ली है.@DelhiPolice @DCWDelhi @NCWIndia
— Sakshee Malikkh (@SakshiMalik) August 22, 2024