In a surprising turn of events, a minor who was among a group of seven female wrestlers accusing Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and a BJP MP, of sexual harassment and stalking, has retracted her allegations. The 17-year-old wrestler provided a fresh statement under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which holds evidentiary value in court.
The withdrawal of the charges has created uncertainty about the future of the case, as the court will now be responsible for determining whether the charges can proceed and which of the conflicting statements made under Section 164 will carry more weight. It is important to note that this report from The Indian Express has not been independently verified by LiveMint.
Previously, the minor’s father had filed an FIR with the Delhi Police, alleging that Singh’s sexual harassment had a profound impact on his daughter. The complaint described an incident in which Singh tightly held the girl, pretending to pose for a photo, but proceeded to press forcefully against her shoulder and deliberately brushed his hands against her breasts.
On May 10, the minor initially recorded her statement before a magistrate, providing a detailed account of the alleged sexual harassment incidents involving Singh. As a result, Singh was charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which carry potential prison terms ranging from one to three years.
Under the POCSO Act, the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty, and the burden of proof lies on the prosecution to establish the guilt of the accused. To secure a favorable decision from the court, sufficient evidence must be provided to substantiate the relevant facts of the case.
With the minor now retracting her allegations, the court will play a crucial role in assessing the validity and credibility of both her withdrawal and the initial statement made under Section 164. This assessment will determine the future course of legal action in this high-profile case.
The case has attracted significant attention due to the involvement of a prominent sports figure and political personality. The withdrawal of charges by one of the accusers adds complexity and raises questions about the veracity of the initial allegations. The court’s examination of the conflicting statements and the evaluation of evidence will be crucial in determining the outcome of this case.
It is important to approach this matter with sensitivity and ensure that justice is served, taking into account the rights and well-being of all parties involved. As the legal proceedings progress, the public will be eagerly awaiting the court’s decision and its implications for the accused and the accusers.
