In a controversial statement, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and BJP Member of Parliament, has criticized the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, stating that it is being “misused.” The remarks came amidst serious allegations of sexual harassment against Singh, leading to widespread condemnation and raising concerns about the safety of athletes.
Singh made the comments while addressing reporters during a meeting held to discuss preparations for a seers’ rally in Ayodhya on June 5. Claiming the support of 11 lakh seers, he vowed to mobilize their influence to pressure the government into changing the POCSO Act, which he believes was enacted by the previous Congress government without thorough examination.
The accusations against Singh surfaced after several prominent wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik, initiated a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on April 23. The athletes accused Singh of sexually harassing seven women grapplers, one of whom is a minor. Two First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered against Singh by the Delhi Police. The first FIR, filed under the POCSO Act, pertains to the allegations made by the minor wrestler, while the second focuses on the charge of outraging modesty.
Singh, however, vehemently denies all the allegations made against him, reiterating his innocence. Despite his assertions, the Sports Ministry has suspended all activities of the Wrestling Federation of India until the investigation into the allegations is concluded.
The claims made by Singh regarding the misuse of the POCSO Act have sparked a significant backlash, with critics arguing that such statements undermine the gravity of child sex abuse and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals. The Act was enacted to address the growing concern of child sexual abuse in India and provide a legal framework for the safeguarding of children.
Various women’s rights organizations and child protection advocates have expressed their concern over Singh’s comments, stressing the need to ensure that the legal provisions of the POCSO Act are effectively implemented to combat the issue of child sexual abuse.
It remains to be seen how the investigation into the allegations against Singh unfolds and what impact, if any, his efforts to rally seers against the POCSO Act will have on the government’s stance. The case has shed light on the critical issue of sexual harassment within sports and the need for a safe environment for athletes, particularly women and children.
As the nation waits for the outcome of the investigation, the WFI and the Sports Ministry face mounting pressure to handle the matter diligently and ensure justice is served for the alleged victims.
