A significant turn of events has unfolded in the case involving Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and a BJP MP, who was accused of sexual harassment and stalking by a group of seven female wrestlers. The case took a surprising twist when one of the minors among the accusers retracted her allegations.
According to The Indian Express, the 17-year-old girl has submitted a fresh statement under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which holds evidentiary value in court. This new development raises uncertainty about the future of the charges, as the court must now determine which of the conflicting statements made under Section 164 carries more weight and decide whether the case can proceed.
It is important to note that NewsByte24 could not independently verify this report.
In the initial FIR filed with the Delhi Police, the minor’s father detailed instances of alleged sexual harassment by Singh, stating that his actions continued to haunt his daughter. The complaint described an incident where Singh tightly held the girl under the pretense of a photo opportunity but then pressed forcefully against her shoulder and deliberately brushed his hands against her breasts.
On May 10, the minor provided a detailed statement before a magistrate, outlining the incidents of sexual harassment 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 entirely on the prosecution to establish the guilt of the accused. To obtain a favorable decision from the court, the prosecution must present sufficient evidence to substantiate the relevant facts of the case.
With the minor 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.
It remains to be seen how the court will evaluate the conflicting statements and the impact it will have on the allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of due process and the critical role the court plays in determining the truth in such matters.
