The Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh sexual assault case took a significant turn on Tuesday as the Rouse Avenue court recorded the statement of a woman Sub Inspector involved in the investigation.
The Sub Inspector, Rashmi, had collected critical evidence including photographs from the SAI Centre in Lucknow and the Sir Chhotu Ram Stadium in Rohtak, which were taken from one of the victims.
In the court session, another prosecution witness, a victim, failed to appear due to medical reasons. Consequently, the court has scheduled the victim’s appearance for August 23 to record her statement. The proceedings are being overseen by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Priyanka Rajpoot, who is handling the prosecution evidence.
During the session, Sub Inspector Rashmi’s statement was recorded, with her examination being led by an additional public prosecutor. The defence counsel, Rajiv Mohan, conducted a cross-examination where Rashmi clarified that while she participated in the investigation, the task was not initially assigned to her.
She also mentioned issuing a notice to victim SM, who refused to assist in the preparation of the site plan. This led to Inspector Ravi preparing the site plan instead.
The court's recent activities include the recording of Constable Mukesh Kumar’s statement on the last date. On July 11, the court had directed the start of the trial and recording of statements from prosecution witnesses in the sexual harassment case involving former MP and ex-WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar.
On May 21, the court had formally framed charges against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar, who have both denied the allegations and opted for a trial. The charges against Singh include sections 354 and 354A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of a woman, with additional charges under section 506 (part 1) for intimidation.
However, Singh was discharged from the allegations made by a sixth wrestler. Tomar faces charges under section 506 (part 1) of the IPC for threats, with other allegations against him being dismissed.
The Delhi Police had filed a comprehensive 1599-page chargesheet against both Singh and Tomar on June 15, 2023. This document includes statements from 44 witnesses and six statements recorded under CrPC 164.
The chargesheet outlines that Singh is accused of sexual harassment, molestation, and stalking. It also includes photographic evidence and details from the investigation.
The case originated from complaints lodged by female wrestlers, leading to two FIRs. One FIR was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, with a cancellation report filed concerning a minor wrestler.
The second FIR, which includes the complaints from multiple wrestlers, resulted in the charges being framed against Singh and Tomar under various sections of the IPC.
The Delhi Police, in its charge sheet, stated that Singh and Tomar are being prosecuted without arrest, as they have complied with investigation directives. The ongoing proceedings are set to further address the serious allegations made by the wrestlers against these prominent figures in Indian sports administration.
Follow us
