“Stay Quiet or Your Career is Over”: Brij Bhushan Singh Threatened Wrestlers, Reveal Delhi Police

New Delhi: In a recent hearing at Rouse Avenue Court, Delhi Police revealed that former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh allegedly threatened wrestlers to maintain silence regarding a sexual harassment case lodged against him by women wrestlers. The police argued that Brij Bhushan’s intimidating comments amounted to an offence under Section 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), dealing with criminal intimidation.

According to statements from the wrestlers, Brij Bhushan allegedly warned them, stating, “If you want to continue wrestling, then stay quiet. I can make someone’s career and also destroy it.” Delhi Police lawyer Atul Srivastava emphasized the seriousness of these threats.

One complainant disclosed that Brij Bhushan asked her inappropriate questions about his appearance in traditional attire. Srivastava questioned the appropriateness of such inquiries, highlighting potential misconduct. Another wrestler claimed that only women were allowed in the office of co-accused Vinod Tomar, the former assistant secretary of the WFI, indicating a questionable intention.

The police also pointed to an incident where Brij Bhushan hugged a wrestler, justifying it as a “fatherly act.” Srivastava questioned this explanation, suggesting a guilty conscience.

Brij Bhushan, currently facing charges under Sections 354, 354A, 354D, and 506 of the IPC, was absent from the recent hearing after obtaining an exemption citing a “social obligation.”