The wrestlers are on protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
New Delhi:
The country’s top wrestlers, who are on protest against the federation chief over sexual harassment charges, on Saturday questioned the government inquiry, saying details of the probe, including the name of an underage accuser, have been leaked.
Here are the 10 latest developments in the case:
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“Who is leaking the details of the investigation?” the wrestlers, who have camped in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar – the designated spot for public protests in the capital, said. They also accused the police of misbehaving with them and not allowing mattresses and provisions meant for protesters.
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Earlier, a day after the police filed two sexual harassment cases against him, including one with non-bailable charges, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the influential chief of India’s wrestling body, said he will not step down.”I am totally innocent. Will cooperate with any inquiry… Their (protesters) demands are changing constantly. Resigning would mean accepting the charges. Resignation is not a big deal but not as a criminal, I am not a criminal,” Mr Singh said at a news briefing.
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Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited the protesting wrestlers, expressing her support for the demonstration and targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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The Delhi Police on Friday registered two First Information Reports (FIRs) in connection with sexual harassment allegations levelled by women wrestlers against the Wrestling Federation of India chief.
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The first FIR involving allegations made by a minor has been registered under the tough Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which means if Mr Singh is arrested, he cannot get bail.
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The FIRs were filed hours after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Delhi Police, told the Supreme Court that a case will be registered on Friday.
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Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the wrestlers, submitted an affidavit in a sealed cover which voiced apprehension about the safety of a minor girl, an alleged victim of sexual assault.
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“Bearing in mind the content which has been placed on record, we direct the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, to make an assessment of the threat perception and provide adequate security to the minor girl involved,” the court said in its order.
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The top court is hearing an appeal filed by seven women wrestlers, who have alleged that the police did not file cases despite sexual harassment allegations against Mr Singh.
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The country’s top wrestlers, who have been on a sit-in at Jantar Mantar in Delhi since Sunday demanding action against Mr Singh, welcomed “the first step towards victory” but said they will continue their agitation. They demanded that the BJP MP be removed from all the positions he holds.
