At his UP house, Delhi Police question Brij Bhushan’s staff and associates

According to police, the team questioned and recorded the statements of 10-12 people at Singh’s residence in Gonda, including his “close associates” and drivers who have been with him for years. The police refused to comment on whether Singh or his family members were among those questioned.

“All the staffers were questioned and their names were noted along with their addresses and identification details. Since the wrestlers have given their version of the sexual harassment incidents and Singh has given another version… the team wanted to corroborate the statements and build a timeline. The staffers were asked about Singh’s whereabouts on certain dates, his activities, phone calls and if they knew anything about the wrestlers (complainants),” said an officer.

Police said their statements “mostly matched” Singh’s statement which was recorded last month. The team also collected documents related to the investigation.

“Notices were sent to staffers and other associates of Singh in Lucknow and Ayodhya as well. They were asked to join the probe and help police with evidence,” said an officer.

Police sources said this was part of the “evidence collection” process. The police have also questioned WFI staffers, coaches, other wrestlers, doctors and therapists, working in Delhi and at national camps in Lucknow, to corroborate the statements made by Singh and the complainants. So far, more than 125 people have been examined and their statements recorded.

“The wrestlers mentioned dates, specific camps and tournaments (some international). We wanted to check who all went with him, and if these staffers were aware of the harassment. Singh has a home in Lucknow as well… WFI staffers and Singh’s employees in Lucknow were questioned… (on) what all happened during these events, Singh’s association with wrestlers, important dates and other details,” said the officer.

The Indian Express reported last week that an Olympian, a Commonwealth gold medallist, an international referee and a state-level coach have corroborated the allegations of at least three female wrestlers against Singh.

On April 21, seven female wrestlers, including a minor, had filed separate complaints of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation against Singh at Delhi’s Connaught Place police station. The minor has since recorded a fresh statement before a magistrate.

The wrestlers had approached the Supreme Court, stating that the police were not registering FIRs. Subsequently, the police registered two FIRs on April 28 that, as reported by The Indian Express last week, have at least two instances of Singh demanding “sexual favours” in lieu of professional assistance; close to 15 incidents of sexual harassment that include 10 episodes of inappropriate touching, molestation that includes running hands over breasts, touching the navel; several instances of intimidation including stalking.

A delegation of the protesting wrestlers, including Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, had met Shah at his residence in the Capital late Saturday night.

Bajrang and Sakshi, along with World Championship medalist Vinesh Phogat, have been at the forefront of the protests against Singh.

The status of the investigation into the allegations against Singh was the key issue raised by the wrestlers at their meeting with Shah, which lasted for over two hours and ended after midnight. The wrestlers underlined their demand for a strong chargesheet to be filed soon.

A Delhi Police special investigation team is looking into the allegations against Singh, and is in the process of filing a status report before the court.