The ongoing wrestlers' protest against the Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan for sexually harassing several Indian wrestlers. Reportedly four witnesses have recorded their statements with the Delhi Police.
In the sexual harassment case against Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan, the protesting Indian wrestlers have gathered 125 potential witnesses out of which 4 have recorded their statements with the Delhi Police as part of the ongoing investigation, according to the reports.
Reportedly, one Olympian, a Commonwealth gold medallist, an international referee and a state-level coach have corroborated to validate the accusations by three female wrestlers against Bhushan.
In an interview with The Indian Express, Delhi Police spokesperson Suman Nalwa said, "We cannot comment on the investigation in this case or what the evidence is. The investigation is still going on. SIT has been probing the matter and will submit a report to the court."
The report claims that two instances of demanding sexual favours for professional assistance; close to 15 incidents of sexual harassment that include 10 episodes of inappropriate touching, molestation that includes running hands over breasts and touching the navel; several instances of intimidation including stalking are included in the said case.
Reportedly, the coach who is part of the witness was informed about the occurrence of harassment within six hours but the wrestler. While the two wrestlers have told the Delhi Police that they were aware of the incident almost a month after it happened. The referee similarly confirmed hearing about these instances time and again during tournaments.
Seven wrestlers including a minor have filed separate complaints with Delhi's Connaught Place police station against Bhushan regarding sexual harassment and criminal intimidation on April 21.
The report also talks about the Special Investigation Team was formed by the Delhi Police that included women personnel to look into this case, they found details about the people present in the tournaments when these incidents ocurred, it is said, "A list of 158 people was prepared by the SIT and they have visited Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Karnataka to gather evidence and record statements. So far, they have recorded statements of 125 people and four of them corroborated the allegations of three female wrestlers in their statements."
According to the reports the two times Brij Bhushan was questioned by the SIT about the case, he has denied his involvement in it. It is said that WFI secretary Vinod Tomar has also been questioned as his name is present in the FIR filed.
The report also said, "So far, all the six women wrestlers and a minor complainant have recorded their statements before a magistrate under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in which they have corroborated the allegations they have made in their complaints."