Delhi police to register case on complaint against Brij Bhushan; SC directs police to provide security to those who raised complaint

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police on Friday informed the Supreme Court that it would register a case and conduct an investigation into the sexual harassment complaint lodged by women wrestlers against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Delhi Police, apprised the SC bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud that Delhi Police will register the FIR by this evening. The complaint was lodged by a number of women wrestlers, including a minor girl. Following this, the apex court directed the Delhi police to provide security to the complainants.

The Solicitor General demanded that the petition filed by the wrestlers be disposed of as directions were given to register the case and conduct an investigation. However, the court did not accept this demand. The apex court will consider the petition again next Friday. The court also asked Delhi Police to file an affidavit mentioning steps taken to provide security to the minor girl. Advocate Kapil Sibal, who appeared for the women wrestlers, handed over the details regarding the security threat to the women wrestlers to the Supreme Court in a sealed envelope.

Meanwhile, there is a widespread protest against Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha who criticized the protest of the wrestlers.

‘The players should not have protested on the streets. They should have at least waited for the report of the committee. What they have done is not good for the game and the country. It is a negative approach,’ Usha said on Thursday.

Wrestler Bajrang Punia, who expressed shock at PT Usha's remark, said that the protesters were not expecting such a harsh response from Usha, a sports icon.

"Being a woman athlete, she (PT Usha) is not listening to other women athletes. We have followed her since childhood and got inspired by her. Where is indiscipline here, we are sitting here peacefully.." Sakshi Malik told media persons. Vinesh Phogat, the CWG and World Championships medalist also called Usha's comments as "insensitive".