NEW DELHI: Delhi Police have recorded the statement of Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in connection with the allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by seven female wrestlers.
The statement was recorded a few days ago, according to Delhi Police sources.
The Delhi Police also said that an SIT (special investigative team) has been constituted to investigate the case and collect evidence related to the allegations levelled by seven wrestlers against Singh.
On Friday, the Delhi Police filed a status report before the Rouse Avenue court stating that it constituted a 10-member SIT, led by a female IPS officer.
The Delhi Police also requested that the report not be given to anyone till the investigations are completed. The prosecution, however, objected to the Delhi Police’s decision not to share the report with the complainants.
The court has given over two weeks of time for Delhi Police to submit another status report on May 27.
Sources in the Delhi Police told The New Indian that WFI chief Singh was asked to join the investigation and his statement was recorded by a team of IO and other senior officers. He has been asked to submit some documents related to the matter.
Sources said the police have also recorded the statement of WFI’s assistant secretary, Vinod Tomar, in connection with the case. His name is also written in the FIR registered by the female wrestlers.
The police said the statement of a female wrestler, who is a minor, was recorded under Section 164 of the CrPc on Friday.
Two FIRs of sexual harassment were registered against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh by the Delhi Police two weeks ago. The wrestlers, led by Olympians Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, however, were demanding the arrest of Singh.
The wrestlers have also been continuing their protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar for the past 19 days. On Thursday, the protesting wrestlers celebrated Black Day by wearing black ribbons on their hands and heads.
The protesting wrestlers have the support of the Khap Panchayats, Kissan Unions and several other wrestlers and players demanding proper inquiry and justice for them.