Wrestlers Protest: Minor appellant among seven female wrestlers who levelled sexual assault charges against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan, recorded her statement in front of magistrate. This followed speculations that she withdrew her case.
As per some media reports, the 17-year-old girl changed her statement and took back her case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.
The girl appeared in the Patiala House Court on June 1 to record her statement under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
It is worth noting that the statement is deemed to be an evidence before the Court. She had already gave her statement to the police in the case pertaining to charges of stalking, sexual harrasment among other allegations against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Brij Bhushan with female wrestlers.
Father Denies
However, when the News24 approached father of the minor victim, he completely dismissed the rumors regarding the withdrawl of the case.
In the complaint filed with the Delhi police, the father alleged that his daughter was “completely disturbed and cannot be at peace anymore …sexual harassment by the accused (Singh) continues to haunt her”.
Also Read: Delhi Police reaches Brij Bhushan’s house in Gonda to record his statement
Court To Decide If Charges To Be Pursued
Since the statement has been recorded, it is now up to the Court to decide if the charges can be pursued or not.
It should be noted that a case under POCSO Act cannot be taken back but if the statement by the victim was changed then, it will be a subject of reconsideration.
Seven Female Wrestlers Filed Pleas
As many as seven female wrestlers had filed petitions against WFI chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh alleging sexual assault.
Earlier last month, the Supreme Court had closed the proceedings on two of the pleas citing that the purpose of those petitions were fulfilled and asked the petitioners to approach High Court or trial court for further relief.
“We have closed the proceedings at this stage. If petitioners wish for something else, they can approach the magistrate or the High Court in its jurisdiction,” reported ANI, citing Supreme Court.
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