By M K George

Rome, June 3, 2023: Seven women wrestlers, including a minor, have accused the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a BJP M P, of sexual harassment.

Brij Bhushan, the accused, says, ‘If a single allegation against me is proven, I will hang myself.’

The female wrestlers are absolutely clear in their allegations: ‘At least two instances of demanding “sexual favours” in lieu of professional assistance; at least 15 incidents of sexual harassment that include 10 episodes of inappropriate touching, molestation that includes running hands over breasts, touching the navel; several instances of intimidation including stalking — and a shared sense of fear and trauma. These form the key allegations in two FIRs filed with the Delhi Police on April 28 against Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh’ (Jignasa Singh June 2, 2023)

The Indian Olympics Association president PT Usha differed with the protesters and said they should have shown some discipline and come to the authorities first, before taking to the street.

However, ‘BCCI president Roger Binny, legends Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev disturbed by manhandling of wrestlers’, reported PTI. (June 2, 2023).

Would women lie about being violated?

Maybe, some would. However, in this case where should the benefit of the doubt go?

The accused claimed, “The matter is under investigation by the Delhi Police. If there’s any truth to the charges (levelled against him by the wrestlers), an arrest will be made.”

The BBC news reported: “On 28 April, the Delhi Police filed two complaints against Mr Singh – one of them under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act based on a minor’s complaint. But he is yet to be questioned or arrested.” (May 4, 2023).

That exactly is the reason for doubt.

The Delhi police have not always credited themselves for acting justly. For instance, Supriya Sharma (2020) wrote, “Delhi Police, your bias is showing. Look at your own data on the riots investigation. Despite a higher number of riots cases filed against Hindus, the police have charged more Muslims in court.”

Paulomi Ghosh wrote on April 28, 2023, “Don’t trust Delhi Police, might file loose FIR against Brij Bhushan”.

It looks like the prediction has come true. The FIR by the alleged victims was filed on 21 April 2023. Instead of any justice for the alleged victims, the police have treated them most inhumanly and the ‘party with a difference’ has not uttered a word yet.

One should also ask a question if an ordinary citizen in India was accused of such a crime, would they police have delayed the investigations and arrest so long. Innumerable cases show the opposite. Even innocent victims of allegations have been incarcerated and have had to wait months or years for justice.

Here in this case not only is no action taken against the accused but those alleged victims have also been denied of their basic rights.

“It takes 7 days for Delhi Police to register a (case) against Brij Bhushan… it didn’t even take 7 hours to register a (case) against us for peacefully protesting,”. “Has dictatorship started in this country? The whole world is watching how the government is treating its players”, reported Rhea Mogul for CNN (May 29 2023).

Yet another report: “Brij Bhushan booked for aggravated sexual assault, but still free. What POCSO Act says on arrest: An offence falling under Section 10 of POCSO Act is cognizable and non-bailable. When committed by an individual in a position of authority, it is categorised as an ‘aggravated’ offence. (Apoorva Mandhani 1 June 2023 in the Print).

Eminent politician and lawyer Kapil Sibal tweeted, “does application of POCSO and immediate arrest after 164 statements apply to all accused other than Brij Bhushan because he belongs to BJP, iconic women wrestlers don’t matter, votes matter. Government doesn’t care. Is this my new India?” (May 31, 2023)

While the final word should go to independent investigators and the justice system, what should worry every citizen of India, especially women, is the undue delay in action. No one seems to take the accusations seriously. Worse still, the alleged victims are victimised again.

History is being repeated. Women, even some of the influential ones like the award winning sportswomen, become so vulnerable that the system fails them so mercilessly.

The Female wrestlers of India who are screaming for justice should be heard. The silence of the rulers is deafening. It is the bounden duty of every citizen of India to ensure justice for these women. Join their fight for justice. Or else, history would judge us!

Would women and men of India wake up?