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New Delhi, June 11, 2023 (PPI-OT): Clad in a saffron robe and turban typically worn by Hindutva inspired activists, the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India, under police investigation for sexual misconduct after accusations by female athletes, held a political rally on Sunday in his first public appearance since the probe was launched in April, writes a British media outlet.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, also a federal lawmaker from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party, is the subject of a criminal case filed by seven female wrestlers who accused him of groping young athletes at training camps and tournaments. Delhi police are investigating and will submit their findings before a trial court on Thursday.
“I will not comment on the allegations. I am waiting for the court order on this case,” Singh told reporters at the Sunday gathering near his political constituency in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. Singh told a crowd of supporters in scorching heat that he would continue to implement policies introduced by Modi and was committed to serving the people.
The accusations sparked protests by India’s top wrestlers and other athletes, at times drawing a heavy-handed response from authorities who briefly detained or forcibly dispersed the participants. Images of athletes being dragged away and carried off in buses went viral, sparking criticism from leading athletes and opposition politicians. Wrestlers eventually secured meetings with government ministers after threatening to throw their medals into the Ganges River.
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