Today(on 26th April), Delhi court rejects BJP MP’s request for additional inquiry into sexual harassment allegations by female wrestlers. Further decision on charges framing expected on May 7.
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DELHI: Today(on 26th April), A plea by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, seeking further investigation into allegations of sexual harassment made by women wrestlers, was rejected by a Delhi court. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Priyanka Rajpoot announced the court’s decision, with the order on charges framing expected on May 7.
Singh had submitted the application to the court on April 18, which was the same day the court was scheduled to announce its decision on framing charges against him. In his defense, Singh claimed an alibi, stating that he was not in Delhi at the time when one of the wrestlers who filed a complaint against him alleged sexual harassment. He requested the court to direct an investigation into this aspect and also requested the inclusion of the Call Detail Records (CDRs) as evidence.
However, the Delhi Police opposed Singh’s application, dismissing it as a delay tactic. The police had already registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the MP based on the complaints of six wrestlers who accused him of sexual harassment.
On June 15, 2023, the police filed a chargesheet against Singh, charging him with offenses under Sections 354 (outraging modesty), 354A (sexually colored remarks), 354D (stalking), and 506(1) (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Before approaching the court, the complainants had initially approached the Supreme Court to request the registration of an FIR against Singh. The Delhi Police subsequently informed the Supreme Court that an FIR had been registered and that the investigation was ongoing.
In addition to the allegations made by the women wrestlers, a minor wrestler also accused Singh of sexual harassment. However, she later withdrew her complaint, leading the Delhi Police to file a cancellation report under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) in that particular case.
The court’s rejection of Singh’s plea for further investigation into the sexual harassment allegations emphasizes the importance of conducting a fair and thorough investigation into such serious charges. The court’s decision to announce the framing of charges on May 7 indicates that progress is being made in the legal proceedings against the BJP MP.
All parties involved, including the complainants and the accused, have their claims and defenses thoroughly examined through a transparent legal process. The inclusion of Call Detail Records as requested by Singh would provide additional evidence that could potentially shed light on the events in question.
The chargesheet filed against Singh based on the complaints of the six women wrestlers suggests that there is substantial evidence to support their claims. However, the withdrawal of the complaint by the minor wrestler raises questions about the credibility of the allegations made against the BJP MP.
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The court’s decision will have significant implications for the ongoing legal battle and will shape the course of the trial against Singh. As the proceedings continue, it is essential to uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and impartiality to ensure a just outcome for all parties involved.
