Delhi court accepts closure report in Pocso case against ex-WFI chief

Delhi Court Cancels POCSO Case Against Ex-WFI Chief

Key Takeaways:

• Delhi court accepts closure report, cancelling POCSO case against ex-WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh.
• Complainant expressed satisfaction with the investigation and did not oppose the closure.
• Father admitted to making a false complaint to retaliate against Singh.
• Delhi Police filed the closure report after the father’s admission.
• Judge Gomti Manocha declared, “Cancellation accepted.”

Court Accepts Closure Report

A Delhi court on Monday accepted the closure report submitted by the Delhi Police, effectively cancelling the case filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The case was initiated by a wrestler who accused Singh of sexual harassment when she was a minor.

Judge Declares “Cancellation Accepted”

“Cancellation accepted,” stated Additional Sessions Judge Gomti Manocha, bringing an end to the high-profile case that had drawn considerable attention within the sports community and beyond.

Complainant Satisfied with Investigation

During an in-chamber proceeding held on August 1, 2023, the complainant, referred to as the “minor,” informed the judge who previously presided over the court that she was satisfied with the Delhi Police’s investigation into the matter. Not opposing the closure report, her stance played a significant role in the court’s decision.

Father Admits to False Complaint

The case took a decisive turn when the complainant’s father made a startling admission midway through the investigation. On June 15, 2023, he revealed that he had lodged a false complaint of sexual harassment against Singh as a form of retaliation for perceived injustices toward his daughter.

Delhi Police Files Closure Report

Following the father’s admission, the Delhi Police filed a closure report seeking to cancel the case involving the minor. The police recommended dropping the POCSO Act charges against Singh in light of the new evidence undermining the allegations.

Charges Under POCSO Dropped

While the POCSO case against Singh has been cancelled, the incomplete information suggests that he may have been charged with sexual harassment under different provisions. However, specific details regarding additional charges are not fully provided.

Conclusion

The acceptance of the closure report by the Delhi court marks the conclusion of the POCSO case against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The developments, including the complainant’s satisfaction with the investigation and her father’s admission of filing a false complaint, were pivotal in the case’s dismissal. This outcome brings closure to a contentious chapter involving one of the prominent figures in India’s wrestling arena.