New Delhi, August 22: Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik have claimed that the Delhi Police has revoked the security cover of female wrestlers set to testify in the sexual harassment case against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik Claim Security of Women Wrestlers Set to Testify Against Ex-WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Singh Have Been Withdrawn; Delhi Police Responds.

Vinesh and Sakshi on ‘X’, tagged the Delhi Police, the Delhi Commission for Women, and the National Commission for Women, raising concerns about the safety of the women wrestlers who are key witnesses in the case and wrote, “Delhi Police has withdrawn the security of the women wrestlers who are going to testify against Brij Bhushan in the court."

Vinesh Phogat on Security Being Removed

Sakshi Malik Speaks on Delhi Police Removes Security

Vinesh, who recently returned from the Paris Olympics, had said that her fight against the WFI would continue and hoped that "truth will prevail".

The case dates back to January 2023 when wrestlers including Vinesh, Sakshi and Bajrang Punia began protesting at Jantar Mantar, accusing Brij Bhushan of sexual exploitation and intimidation. The wrestlers demanded his resignation and sought the dissolution of the WFI.

Delhi Police took to social media and issued a clarification after Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik have allegedly mentioned that Delhi Police have removed the security. Delhi Police wrote, "The security provided to the wrestlers hasn't been withdrawn; it was decided to request Haryana Police to take over the responsibility in future, since the protectees normally reside there."

Clarification by Delhi Police

Their complaint to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha led to the formation of an inquiry committee comprising notable figures such as Mary Kom and Yogeshwar Dutt. Despite these actions, the WFI denied all allegations against its president and coaches.

Subsequently, the Sports Ministry intervened, suspending all WFI activities and sidelining assistant secretary Vinod Tomar.

The legal battle escalated in May 2024, when a Delhi court formally framed charges against Brij Bhushan and Vinod Tomar. Both denied the charges, leading to a trial. Vinesh Phogat Disqualification: CAS Releases Detailed Judgement On Star Wrestler's Plea For Being Awarded Silver Medal.

The court, in a May 10 order, found sufficient evidence to proceed with the charges of sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of five female wrestlers against the former WFI chief.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 23, 2024 07:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).