Delhi court grants bail to ex-WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in sexual harassment case

Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday granted bail to former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Briji Bhushan Sharan Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar on a personal bond of Rs. 25,000 each in a case of alleged sexual harassment and molestation filed by six female wrestlers.

The court imposed two bail conditions on the duo, stating that they were not allowed to leave the country without prior permission from the court and that they would not influence witnesses or tamper with evidence. The court has now submitted the matter for further consideration on July 28. 

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Harjeet Singh Jaspal said on Thursday, "I grant bail in the sum of ₹25,000 each subject to certain conditions." During the hearing, the public prosecutor representing the Delhi Police said that the court should impose strict conditions if Brij Bhushan and Tomar are granted relief. Asked if he was against bail, he said: “I'm not against it, I'm not in favor of it. The request should be processed in accordance with the law and court order.”

The counsel for the applicants opposed the bail saying that the accused was very influential. He said: “Bail should not be granted. If it is granted at all, strict conditions must be imposed. Witnesses were approached from time to time, but no threat.” 66-year-old Brij Bhushan is a six-time BJP MP and ruled the wrestling body for 12 years. A total of 21 witnesses gave their statements against Singh - out of which six gave their statements under CRPC 164.

This comes after the court on Tuesday granted two-day interim bail to the duo. After the court granted anticipatory bail, Jaspal said, “In view of the directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court, the accused persons are admitted on anticipatory bail till the next date of hearing on furnishing a bond of ₹25,000 each with one surety of like amount.

On 15 June, the Delhi Police charged Singh and Tomar on a complaint filed by female wrestlers under sections 354 (assault or criminal violence against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (sexual harassment), 354D (stalking) and 506 (intimidation) of the Penal Code.

Earlier, two FIRs were registered against the BJP MP - one under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act (POCSO) filed in the case of a minor female wrestler - who later changed her statements and the other on a complaint by several wrestlers.