New Delhi: Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, two prominent figures in the ongoing protests, have hailed the decision of a Delhi court to prosecute Bhushan Singh as he had been accused of molesting six female players.
To this end, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Priyanka Rajpoot has ordered that charges be framed against Singh under relevant sections for outraging the modesty of a woman, sexual harassment and criminal intimidation of five victims.
“Brij Bhushan has been charged. This is a major win for women wrestlers’ struggle; Our daughters in this nation went through hard times but this decision will give them much needed relief. Those behind assault on women protesting wrestlers should be ashamed,” wrote Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang on his X account.
Sakshi, who announced her retirement in December last year, issued a press release on behalf of female wrestlers who are fighting for justice against the former WFI president.
“This marks an essential landmark in our 18 months fight which initiated from January 2023 on roads and then committees after roads again finally courts against sex crimes targeted at lady wrestlers and those promoting misogyny. The main culprit. Sakshi Posted on her X account.
Brij Bhushan also reacted to the court order and said he will exercise his legal options. “Today I have seen charges being put before the court or even filing charge sheet prior to that so I protested there but the court did not admit it. Many cases were registered with one case (16/21) still remaining without charges. I appreciate what all things come out now from Court side and thereafter these options become open as far as my stand is concerned,” said outgoing BJP MP from Kaisarganj constituency of Uttar Pradesh state