In a surprising turn of events, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the chief of the Wrestler’s Federation of India (WFI), has expressed his willingness to undergo a narco test, polygraphy, or a lie detector test in response to allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him. Singh, however, has laid a condition that the wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, who have been protesting against him, should also undergo the same tests.
Punia and Phogat, prominent wrestlers in India, have been at the forefront of the protests demanding Singh’s arrest for the alleged sexual harassment of women grapplers. Since April 23, they have been staging demonstrations at Jantar Mantar to raise awareness about the issue. Singh took to Facebook to make his offer, stating, “If both the wrestlers (Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat) are ready to get their test done, then I will call the press and announce. I promise them that I am also ready if they are.”
Earlier, on May 7, Singh had made a bold statement, vowing to hang himself if any of the allegations against him were proven true. He reaffirmed his commitment to his words, writing on Facebook, “I still stand by my words and promise the countrymen to remain firm forever.”
Singh, who has dedicated 11 years of his life to wrestling and the country, adamantly denied any wrongdoing, stating, “Except these wrestlers (who are protesting), ask anyone if I have done anything wrong.” However, the wrestlers have persisted in their accusations, and on April 28, the Delhi Police registered two FIRs against Singh based on sexual harassment complaints filed by the wrestlers.
The recent development of Singh’s offer to undergo narco or polygraph tests comes amidst heightened tensions surrounding the protests. On Sunday, security was beefed up at Jantar Mantar and Delhi’s borders ahead of a farmers’ meeting in support of the protesting wrestlers. The wrestlers had set May 21 as the deadline for the khap mahapanchayat to decide on taking the agitation forward.
The demand for a narco or polygraph test brings a new dimension to the ongoing controversy, as it raises questions about the veracity of the allegations and the willingness of both parties to subject themselves to such tests. The outcome of this situation will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the reputation and future of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and the Wrestler’s Federation of India.
