New Delhi:

Former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has claimed that Vinesh Phogat joining the Congress and getting a ticket to contest the Haryana Assembly elections is proof that the sexual harassment charges and the wrestlers’ protest were a conspiracy against him by the party. 

The former Wrestling Federation of India chief has also alleged that Ms Phogat violated rules by trying out for two different weight categories for the Olympics on the same day and hinted that her disqualification ahead of the final bout was a “result given by god”.

Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who were at the forefront of the wrestlers’ protests against Mr Singh last year, joined the Congress on Friday and, hours later, Ms Phogat was announced as a candidate from the Julana Assembly constituency while Mr Punia has been appointed working president of the All India Kisan Congress.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Brij Bhushan Singh said in Hindi, “When the protests began on 18 January, 2023, I had said on day one that it is not a protest by wrestlers and the Congress is behind it. Especially (Congress leader and former Haryana chief minister) Bhupinder Hooda, (his son and MP) Deepender Hooda and Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi. Now that has been proven true.”

“The protest and the conspiracy against me had the involvement of the Congress and it was led by Bhupinder Hooda. I want to tell the people of Haryana that Bhupinder Hooda, Deepender Hooda, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia did not protest for the respect of the girls… because of this, the daughters of Haryana are having to face shame. The Congress leaders and protesters are responsible for this. They used the daughters and hurt the respect of female wrestlers for political reasons. The script was written by the Congress,” he alleged. 

In the wake of the allegations and the protests, the three-time BJP MP had been denied a ticket for the Lok Sabha polls from his seat of Kaisergant in Uttar Pradesh. His son, Karan Bhushan Singh, was fielded instead and had emerged victorious. 

Insisting that the allegations against him are false and he was not in Delhi on the days on which he was accused of sexually harassing wrestlers, Brij Bhushan Singh said that the court will give its ruling. 

‘Violated Rules’

Ms Phogat had missed out on what would have been at least a silver medal after being disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams ahead of the final bout in the 50 kg freestyle wrestling event at the Paris Olympics. She had defeated reigning gold medallist Yui Susaki of Japan on the road to the finals and her disqualification had broken a billion hearts. 

When Mr Singh was asked about this, he pointed out that he had said even earlier that a wrestler cannot give his or her weight for two categories on the same day as per the rules of governing body UWW (United World Wrestling).

“Vinesh Phogat appeared for trials in two weight categories on the same day. She kept the trials on hold for five hours. After losing in the 53 kg category 10-0, she fought in the 50kg category. Shivani Pawar was winning 5-1 but a commotion was created and the referees engaged in dishonesty and declared Ms Phogat the winner, and the result for this was given by God there,” he claimed.

Alleging that Ms Phogat had meted out injustice to wrestlers by doing what she had done at the trials, Mr Singh said that her entry into the Congress would not yield dividends for the party in the Haryana elections. 

‘Dragged On Road’

After joining the Congress on Friday, Ms Phogat had said that when the wrestlers were “dragged on the roads” during the protests, every party had stood with them, except the BJP.

“I want to thank the people of the country for supporting me during my wrestling career and I hope I live up to their expectations. I want to thank the Congress because, as they say, it is only when times are bad that one finds out who is standing with them. When we were dragged on the roads, every party other than the BJP stood with us and understood our pain and our tears… I am very proud to be associated with a party that stands up against misbehaviour and injustice against women,” she had said in Hindi. 

Voting will be held in Haryana for the 90 Assembly seats on October 5 and counting will be done on October 8. 

(With ANI inputs)

New Delhi:

Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined the Congress Wednesday afternoon and will contest next month’s Haryana Assembly election. Ms Phogat is expected to challenge for the Julana seat held by the Jannayak Janta Party’s Amarjeet Dhanda. Mr Punia’s likely seat is unclear. The two met Congress MP Rahul Gandhi today, after which news of their political and electoral debut was confirmed.

Ms Phogat and Mr Punia made headlines last year after leading protests against former wrestling body chief Brij Bhushan Singh, who faces charges of sexual assault and intimidation. He was also a BJP MP at the time but was denied a ticket to defend Uttar Pradesh’s Kaiserganj Lok Sabha seat.

The BJP, instead, fielded his son, Karan Bhushan Singh, who won the seat.

The Congress will hope that bringing Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia onboard will strengthen its appeal among voters in the Hindi heartland state, which the BJP has ruled since 2014. Ms Phogat’s connect with Haryana farmers – lakhs of whom continue to protest against the BJP on issues like legal guarantees for MSP – will also have been a factor in the Congress’ consideration.

Last week Ms Phogat visited farmers camped out at a protest site in Shambhu on the Haryana-Delhi border, describing herself as “your daughter” and saying she prays to God to deliver justice for them.

“Your agitation completes 200 days today. I pray to God that you get what you came for – justice. Your daughter stands with you. I also urge the government… we too are citizens of India and just because we raise our voices it is not political,” she said, “You (the government) should hear them.”

Then, though, when asked about her political debut, Ms Phogat was circumspect.

“I will not speak on this… I will not talk about politics. I have come to see my family. If you (the press) insist on talking about this you will take focus away from their (the farmers’) struggle. The focus is not on me today. The focus should be on the farmers, I request this…” she said.

New Delhi:

Olympian Vinesh Phogat has accused the Delhi Police of withdrawing the security cover of the women wrestlers who will be testifying against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh tomorrow. The Delhi Police has denied the charge.

“Delhi Police has withdrawn the security of the women wrestlers who are going to testify against Brij Bhushan in the court,” wrote Ms Phogat on X.

Responding to the former wrestler’s tweet, the Delhi Police has clarified that the concerned personal security officers (PSO) reported late to duty after the force requested Haryana Police to take over the security responsibility.

“The security provided to the wrestlers hasn’t been withdrawn; it was decided to request Haryana Police to takeover the responsibility in future since the protectees normally reside there,” said Deputy Commissioner Of Police New Delhi on X, adding, “The assigned Delhi Police PSOs misunderstood this decision and got delayed in reporting today. The situation has been rectified. Security cover continues.”

Meanwhile, the wrestlers approached a Delhi court which directed the city police to immediately reinstate the security cover.

The court was hearing applications filed by senior advocate Rebecca John appearing for the wrestlers, claiming that their security was withdrawn on Wednesday night. It directed police to file a detailed report by Friday regarding the reasons for the withdrawal of the applicants’ security.

Vinesh Phogat, who recently hit headlines over her disqualification from the Paris Olympics, was in the public eye last year for leading a long-running protest against Mr Singh, who was then a BJP MP.

The protesting wrestlers were demanding his resignation and sought the dissolution of the WFI. The WFI denied all allegations against its president.

After the intervention of the Sports Ministry, all WFI activities were suspended and assistant secretary Vinod Tomar was sidelined.

The police had filed a First Information Report (FIR) and later a chargesheet against Brij Bhushan Singh.

Mr Singh is being tried on accusations of sexual exploitation and intimidation, charges he denied.

A Delhi court, in a May 10 order, found sufficient evidence to proceed with the charges of sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of five female wrestlers against the former WFI chief. The next hearing in the case is on Friday.

Lucknow:

Two people, including a 17-year-old, died in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda today after a Toyota Fortuner SUV hit a bike. The SUV belongs to the convoy of Karan Bhushan Singh, BJP candidate from Kaiserganj Lok Sabha seat and son of six-time MP and former wrestling boss Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh made national headlines last after the country’s top wrestlers accused of sexually harassing women wrestlers. A Delhi court recently framed charges in the case against him. The allegations are believed to have cost him a poll ticket this time. The BJP instead fielded his son Karan, also a wrestling administrator. His other son, Pratik Bhushan Singh, is MLA from Gonda seat.

Visuals from the accident site show the SUV with “police escort” written on the rear windscreen, suggesting it is part of a VIP convoy. The car’s number is UP32HW1800 and it is said to be registered in the name of Nandini Nagar educational institute run by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s family. 

According to the FIR, the complainant Chanda Begum has said that around 9 am today, her 17-year-old son Rehan and 24-year-old nephew Shahzad were out on a bike to buy medicines when the speeding SUV coming from the opposite side hit the two-wheeler. Both died on the spot. A 60-year-old woman, identified as Sita Devi, was injured and has been hospitalised. A huge crowd gathered at the site after the accident, as family members of the victims demanded justice.

Police have arrested the driver and seized the SUV. There is no confirmation yet on whether Karan Bhushan Singh was travelling with the cavalcade at the time of the accident. Senior police officer Radheysham Rai said the bodies of the victims have been sent for autopsy and further probe is on.

The car, with the number UP32HW1800, is said to be registered in the name of Nandini Nagar educational institure run by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s family.

Farman Khan, a relative of the victims, said there was blood on the road when they reached the spot and the youngsters had been taken to hospital. “Local residents told us Karan Bhushan Singh’s convoy of 4-5 cars was passing through and the Fortuner hit the bike. When we went to the hospital, doctors told us our children are dead. Please get us justice. We cannot think,” he said.

Gonda (Uttar Pradesh):

Karan Bhushan Singh, the BJP’s Kaiserganj Lok Sabha candidate, brushes aside the sexual assault allegations levelled against his father Brij Bhushan Singh saying these are “political and made up” as he urges the people to bless him with their votes like they have “always done” to his family.

Karan Bhushan, 33, has been attending an average of 10 small public meetings every day in different parts of the constituency. Apart from the elderly and a handful of women, young men form a major chunk of the attendees at meetings.

“The plan is to reach out to the people of every village of the constituency before polling and appeal for their support,” he said about the meetings.

He travels in a cavalcade of around 15 high-end SUVs.

“All of you have supported my family and have been with my father. I want you to continue your support and, like my father, I will always be there for you,” he says at one such meeting held in Colonelganj area of Gonda.

This is Karan Bhushan Singh’s first political battle. A law graduate, he was elected the chairman of the Uttar Pradesh wrestling federation last year. Known to be soft-spoken, Karan Bhushan touches the feet of almost everyone who approaches him.

“Apna ashirvad dete rahiyega (keep giving your blessings),” he says.

The family enjoys support, particularly among the upper castes in Gonda and nearby districts.

Brij Bhushan Singh, a six-time MP who has represented Gonda, Balrampur and Kaiserganj constituencies, was denied a ticket this time by the BJP. He had to step down as Wrestling Federation of India chief after the sexual harassment allegations by six women wrestlers.

Karan Bhushan’s elder brother, Prateek Bhushan Singh, is a BJP MLA. His mother Ketki Devi Singh is a former MP from Gonda.

Karan Bhushan rejects the charges against his father, saying the “allegations are political and made up. We will challenge them in court”.

On May 10, a Delhi court ordered framing of sexual harassment and other charges against Brij Bhushan in the case lodged by the six wrestlers, observing there was “sufficient evidence” against him.

Karan Bhushan, the youngest son of Brij Bhushan, also refutes allegations of nepotism, saying he wants to take forward the legacy of his father.

“Had I been in some other field and was parachuted here at the last moment, one could have levelled such allegations. I have been among the people and have campaigned for my father and brother. I was already into politics, it’s just that I have been given a responsibility now by my party, for which I am thankful,” he argued.

When asked about his plans for Kaiserganj, Karan Bhushan said, “A lot is to be done here, be it improving health facilities, ensuring better education for children and especially opening skill and sports centres for youngsters. I will try to do this in my tenure.” 

On what his father has done about these issues, Karan Bhushan said, “My father has taken the area towards all-around development. I want to take his work forward on the path shown by him.”

The Brij Bhushan family, which belongs to the Thakur community, has an influence over the region. There is a vast network of schools, college, and other business institutions owned by the family in Gonda and nearby districts.

Kaiserganj has over 17 lakh voters with a considerable number of Dalits and Muslims. In 2019, Brij Bhushan got 5.8 lakh votes, almost double the number polled by the BSP candidate pitted against him.

Karan Bhushan claims the victory margin this time will be bigger than in 2019.

“This time, my father is campaigning for me. My brother is campaigning for me. I have the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the entire party. In such a situation, I believe I will win by a bigger margin,” he claimed.

His father has already claimed that the victory margin will be the third largest in the state after Varanasi and Lucknow. PM Modi is contesting from Varanasi while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is in the fray in Lucknow.

The Samajwadi Party, a constituent of the INDIA alliance has pitted Ram Bhagat Mishra against Karan Bhushan. The Bahujan Samaj Party has named Narendra Pandey from the seat.

Kaiserganj will go to the polls in the fifth phase on May 20. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh Saturday urged a Delhi court to discharge him in a sexual harassment case lodged by six female wrestlers, claiming contradictions in the statements of prosecution witnesses.

Represented by advocate Rajeev Mohan, the accused also claimed that as per the law, the oversight committee formed to look into the case had to recommend the registration of FIR within seven days.

But “since in the matter at hand, no such recommendation has been made , it is safe to assume that the Oversight Committee did not find a prima facie case against accused”, he said.

The judge, meanwhile, granted exemption from personal appearance for the day to Mr Singh on an application moved by his lawyer.

“Since no prima facie case was found out by the Oversight Committee, and since no case was found out, no FIR was registered, and since no FIR was registered, it automatically amounts to exoneration,” the counsel told the court.

The defence counsel further claimed that the statements made before the Oversight Committee and the statements recorded under section 164 CrPC have material contradictions and that “the statements made later in time (under section 164) have material improvements and, therefore are liable to be rejected in toto”.

“Since there are material contradictions in the statements of the prosecution witnesses, that itself calls for discharge of the accused as the contradictions have the effect of taking the case away from the arena of grave suspicion, towards only mere suspicion,” the counsel said.

The argument was opposed by the public prosecutor, who said the constitution of the Oversight Committee itself was not in accordance with law.

“There is no question of exoneration because no recommendations/ findings have been given by the said Committee,” the prosecutor said.

The judge will further hear the matter on October 30.

The city police had filed a charge sheet in the case against Mr Singh, a six-time MP, on June 15 under sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (sexual harassment), 354D (stalking) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC.

The police had also charged Vinod Tomar, the suspended assistant secretary of the WFI, in the case.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh tried to sexually harass women wrestlers whenever he saw an opportunity, the Delhi police told the court today, and argued that there’s sufficient evidence to frame charges against him.

Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court had exempted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment by several top women wrestlers, from appearance today.

Citing an alleged incident from Tajikistan, Delhi Police argued that Mr Singh knew what he was doing.

Referring to the complaint of a woman wrestler, Delhi Police said that during an event in Tajikistan, the accused called the complainant into the room and forcefully hugged her. When the complainant protested, Brij Bhushan Singh said that he had done it like a father. “This clearly shows that he was fully aware of his actions,” the police told the court.

It’s not a question of whether the victim reacted or not, but that she was wronged, the police said.

Citing another complaint, from during the Asian Championship in Tajikistan, the police said another woman wrestler had claimed that Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh lifted her shirt up without permission, and touched her stomach inappropriately.

Delhi Police mentioned another alleged incident from the WFI office in Delhi, and argued that the national capital was the jurisdiction for the complaints. Referring to the Sohrabuddin encounter case in Gujarat, they said that several FIRs were registered separately in that case, but the court heard them all at one place.

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was not exonerated by the oversight committee constituted by the government to investigate the allegations against him, Delhi police had earlier told a court.

The Union Sports Ministry had constituted an oversight committee headed by Indian boxing legend MC Mary Kom to investigate the allegations levelled by women wrestlers against Mr Singh after their protest in the national capital.

Its report was not made public, but a copy was given to the Delhi police, who are probing the allegations against Brij Bhushan Singh.

Sexual harassment against a woman carries a maximum punishment of three years’ imprisonment, the police said today. They had filed a charge sheet against the six-time MP on June 15.

The next hearing will be held on October 7 in the Rouse Avenue Court.