Wrestler Bajrang Punia Granted Bail in Defamation Case Amidst Controversy

New Delhi: Wrestler Bajrang Punia has been granted bail by a Delhi court in a criminal defamation case filed by coach Naresh Dahiya. The coach accused Bajrang of tarnishing his image during the protest against wrestling federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Bajrang had stated during the protest that Dahiya lacked credibility to oppose the agitation due to a pending rape case against him.

Dahiya moved the court, which summoned Bajrang, recently medal-less from the Asian Games. Bajrang sought exemption from physical appearance initially but appeared in court for the recent hearing, where bail was granted. The next hearing is scheduled for March 5.

Dahiya argued that he was acquitted in the rape case, and Bajrang’s comments had damaged his reputation. Wrestlers Bajrang, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik had led a protest against Singh, accusing him of sexually exploiting women wrestlers. Singh is now facing legal proceedings, denying all charges.