Father of Young Wrestler Recants Sexual Abuse Accusations Against Brij Bhushan: Admits Anger Led to False Claims

In a surprising turn of events, the father of a 17-year-old wrestler, who had accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the outgoing chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), of sexual harassment, has now stated that they made such serious allegations out of anger, following alleged discrimination faced by their daughter within the WFI. In an exclusive interview with News18 Haryana, the father clarified that they had modified their statement given in court under Section 164, but they did not withdraw the case.

 

The father explained that their initial allegations of sexual assault were made in a state of anger due to the discrimination their daughter experienced from the WFI. However, he now asserts that Bhushan did not behave inappropriately towards his daughter. He further emphasized that their change in statement was made voluntarily and without any ulterior motives, pressure, or fear. It is important to note that they have not withdrawn the case; they have only modified their statement.

 

Notably, a statement made under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) before a magistrate holds significant evidentiary value in court.

 

The father's response comes after several media reports earlier in the day claimed that the minor wrestler, who had filed the complaint leading to a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case against Brij Bhushan, had withdrawn her complaint.

 

Meanwhile, the wrestlers who were protesting against Brij Bhushan have agreed to temporarily suspend their agitation until June 15. This decision followed assurances from the government that a chargesheet would be filed against Brij Bhushan by that time, and elections for the sports body would be conducted by the end of the month.

 

Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, who have been at the forefront of the protests, met with Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur. The minister invited them for a meeting to resolve the deadlock, three days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah had discussions with them regarding their demands.

 

After the five-hour meeting with Thakur, Malik and Punia informed reporters that they had also been assured that the FIRs filed against them would be withdrawn. These FIRs were registered on May 28 when the protesting wrestlers and their supporters marched towards the new Parliament building without permission.

 

However, Malik and Punia clarified that their protest was not over, and they had only temporarily suspended their agitation until June 15, as requested by the government. This extended meeting between the wrestlers and Thakur takes place as the government continues its efforts to engage with the leading wrestlers, who have been protesting since April 23, demanding the arrest of Brij Bhushan.

 

Thakur, speaking to the press following the meeting, expressed satisfaction with the productive and optimistic atmosphere of the discussions. The government, he announced, had agreed to all the requests presented by the protesting group.

 

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