The retired Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat claimed that the Delhi Police has withdrawn the security of the women wrestlers who were going to testify against Brij Bhushan Singh on Thursday.
The former Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik also alleged that the police have withdrawn the security of women wrestlers involved in the ongoing sexual harassment case against the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief. In their response, Delhi Police rejected the accusations saying there is no order for withdrawal of security.
"Delhi Police has withdrawn the security of the women wrestlers who are going to testify against Brij Bhushan in the court," Vinesh wrote in her X post.
Both Vinesh and Sakshi were among the top wrestlers who protested against Brij Bhushan and the WFI in 2023. The Sports Ministry of India stepped in to dissolve the Brij Bhushan Singh-led panel which also faced a temporary ban from the United World Wrestling (UWW) for delaying the elections for the office-bearers.
Seven female wrestlers, including a minor, filed a sexual harassment complaint against Brij Bhushan Singh in April 2023. In May, The Supreme Court of India closed the proceeding on three pleas by wrestlers and ordered adequate security for all seven complainants.
Delhi Police rejects allegations
However, the Delhi Police rejected all the allegations by Vinesh and Sakshi in their response. Devesh Mahla, the DCP of New Delhi, replied to the allegations and said that the PSO were called for 'routine firing and training practices' and there is no order of withdrawal of security to women wrestlers.
"The PSO were called for firing and training practices," Devesh Mahla, DCP Delhi said. "This is a routine affair in police. The PSO has reached back already and for 2 girls, or will reach tonight with them. The wrestlers are also being briefed about the same. There is no order of withdrawn of security.. if there is any delay of security person reaching that is being enquired."
