28-04-2023 : The Wrestling Federation of India is currently embroiled in a scandal involving allegations of sexual harassment by female wrestlers against the organization’s coaches and its President, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. On Friday, the Delhi Police finally registered two FIRs in connection with the allegations.
According to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Pranav Tayal, one of the FIRs is related to a complaint by a minor victim and has been registered under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act along with relevant IPC sections concerning outraging of modesty. The second FIR is registered for carrying out comprehensive investigations into the complaints made by adult complainants under relevant sections pertaining to outraging of modesty.
The Delhi Police’s decision to register the FIRs comes after the women wrestlers expressed their concerns regarding security and safety, and the matter was brought before the Supreme Court. The court decided not to monitor the investigation but requested security for the complainants.
Meanwhile, top Indian sportspersons, including Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Abhinav Bindra, and Neeraj Chopra, are expressing their support for the protesting wrestlers against the Wrestling Federation of India chief at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The protesters accuse Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and some coaches of sexual harassment.
The scandal has attracted widespread attention and raised questions about the safety and security of female athletes in India. It also highlights the need for robust mechanisms to address and prevent sexual harassment in sports organizations.
India has won numerous medals in wrestling at international competitions, including two individual gold medals at the Olympics. The scandal has raised questions about the safety and security of athletes in the sport and has prompted calls for better measures to protect them.
What is POCSO Act
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act is an Indian law enacted in 2012 to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. The Act defines various types of sexual offenses against children, including penetrative and non-penetrative sexual assault, sexual harassment, and pornography. It also provides for stringent punishments for offenders, including imprisonment and fines.
The Act aims to provide a child-friendly justice system, with provisions for the child’s privacy and protection during the legal process. It also mandates the establishment of Special Courts for the speedy trial of POCSO cases.
Under the POCSO Act, it is mandatory to report cases of child sexual abuse and exploitation to the police, and failure to do so is a punishable offense. The Act also provides for the mandatory reporting of child pornography, and the punishment for possessing, transmitting, or producing child pornography is severe.
The POCSO Act is a significant step towards protecting children from sexual offenses and ensuring their safety and well-being. It emphasizes the need for awareness and sensitization programs to prevent such crimes and create a safe environment for children.