Vinesh’s claim suggests that the withdrawal of security may potentially impact the wrestlers’ ability to safely appear in court and deliver their testimonies.
“Delhi Police has withdrawn the security of the women wrestlers who are going to testify against Brij Bhushan in the court,” Vinesh posted on X.
However, Delhi Police took note of Vinesh’s charge and issued a clarification saying “there is no order of withdrawal of security. If there is any delay in the security person reaching, that is being enquired.”
On her arrival from the Paris Olympics, Vinesh said that her fight against the WFI would continue and hoped that “truth will prevail”.
Vinesh was disqualified for being overweight after reaching the 50kg final at the Olympics. Her appeal against the disqualification was rejected by the ad-hoc division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The case originated in January 2023 when Vinesh along with Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia began protesting at Jantar Mantar, accusing Brij Bhushan of sexual exploitation and intimidation. They demanded his resignation and called for the dissolution of the WFI.
Their complaint to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha prompted the formation of an inquiry committee, featuring prominent figures like Mary Kom and Yogeshwar Dutt. However, the WFI denied all allegations against its president and coaches.
The Sports Ministry later intervened, suspending all WFI activities and sidelining assistant secretary Vinod Tomar.
The legal battle intensified in May 2024 when a Delhi court formally framed charges against Brij Bhushan and Vinod Tomar. Both denied the accusations, leading to a trial.
In a May 10 order, the court found sufficient evidence to proceed with charges of sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of five female wrestlers against the former WFI chief.