The Delhi Police are yet to interrogate Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), in connection with the two FIRs registered against him on April 21, pertaining to serious allegations, including violations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
As per sources, the police are yet to summon Singh, despite the FIRs filed 14 days ago.
"We have recorded the statements of seven wrestlers and Singh will be served summons soon," said a source.
According to police, one of the cases against him was registered under IPC sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (sexual harassment), and 354D (stalking), while the other was registered under section 10 of the POCSO Act.
What law says?
While demands for the arrest of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), persist due to three non-bailable and "serious" offences, legal provisions and Supreme Court rulings provide clarity on the matter.
As per section 41A of IPC and various judgments of the apex court, the arrest of an accused is not obligatory if the maximum punishment prescribed for the offence is less than seven years of imprisonment.
Supreme Court lawyer Vineet Jindal said that the decision to make an arrest lies solely with the police authorities. However, in cases involving serious offences, it is generally considered the norm to make an arrest. "Notably, offences under the POCSO Act are classified as non-bailable. Therefore, if there is a legitimate investigative requirement, the likelihood of an arrest occurring as a consequential action is high," said Jindal.
Another Supreme Court lawyer, Rudra Vikram Singh said that since there is delay in arresting Singh, it might be due to primary investigation in the matter.
"Also since the offences under POCSO Act and other acts allegedly committed entail a sentence up to seven years hence in these circumstances, the investigating officer might follow the compliance of provisions of Section 41 and Section 41-A of the CrPC as provided by Supreme Court in Amresh Kumar vs State of Bihar. If Singh does not cooperate with the 'Investigating Officer' (IO) in the probe, police can arrest him," Singh added.
What wrestlers demand?
Earlier, after the Supreme Court closed the proceedings on a plea by three women wrestlers, who have levelled sexual harassment allegations against Brij Bhushan, Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik said, "it's okay", and that they will decide the future course of action after consulting with seniors.
"It is okay, we respect the Supreme Court. Their job is only to register the FIR. No court can ask anyone to arrest. We are sitting firm on our protest and it will go on till we get justice," the 30-year-old wrestler told IANS.
"First the statements of our girls should be recorded before the magistrate under 164 CrPC. That is not done yet. We are waiting for it, after that we will see what needs to be done in this regard."
Delhi Police, EC indulge in hooliganism against AAP, ignore BJP's misconduct: Kejriwal
Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal sharply criticised the Delhi Police and the Election Commission on Tuesday for what he described as their biased and unprofessional behaviour in handling election-related issues claiming that they were indulging in "hooliganism" against the AAP and were covering the BJP's misconduct.
Delhi CM Atishi booked for violating MCC; her supporters for attacking police
The Delhi Police on Tuesday registered two cases - first against Chief Minister Atishi for violation of the Model Code of Conduct and another against her supporters for obstructing government work and attacking police.
UNGA President to visit India from today to deepen multilateral ties on global issues
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Philemon Yang is set to embark on an official visit to India from February 4 to February 8 at the invitation of the Government of India.
Light rainfall graces Delhi-NCR, brings down temperature, improves AQI
Delhi-NCR woke up to light rainfall on Tuesday morning, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting that showers will continue throughout the day.
Delhi Police on high alert ahead of Assembly elections, leads late-night patrolling
The South District Police conducted a late-night patrol, which was led by DCP Ankit Chauhan. The patrol was part of the ongoing efforts to ensure safety and prevent any untoward incidents during the election period.
Shutting USAID weakens US, helps adversaries: Democrats
They took aim at President Donald Trump’s adviser Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), who announced the decision on Monday, questioning his authority.
Govt continued development despite Covid & ethnic violence: Manipur CM
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Monday said that despite the state losing four-and-a-half-years to the COVID-19 pandemic and ethnic violence, the government has continued the developmental works in the state.
BAPS Hindu Mandir and cultural complex opens in South Africa’s Johannesburg
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex in Northriding, Johannesburg officially opened its doors on Monday, following the sacred Pran Pratishtha ceremony, led by Mahant Swami Maharaj, the global spiritual leader of BAPS.