Delhi Police withdraws security cover for wrestlers, says Vinesh Phogat; police respond

India's top wrestler Vinesh Phogat said on Thursday the Delhi police have withdrawn their case against former World Wrestling Federation (WFI) president Brigitte Bhushan Sharan Singh who testified before a Delhi court (Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh) Security for Female Wrestlers.

Vignesh and several other wrestlers, including her cousin Sangeeta Phogat (wife of Bajrang Punia), have accused Brij Bhushan of sexual exploitation.

The Delhi Police had filed an FIR and then filed charges against the BJP leader in the case. The next hearing in the case is on Friday.

“Delhi Police has withdrawn security cover for the female wrestler who will testify in court against Brigitte Bhushan,” Vinesh tweeted, tagging the Delhi Police as well as the Delhi and National Commission for Women.

Reacting to Vinesh's allegations, the Deputy Commissioner of Police of Delhi said that the security provided to the wrestlers has not been withdrawn and in fact the Delhi Police has decided to ask the Haryana Police to take over the responsibility of the wrestlers. The decision was taken in view of the residence of the protected person in Haryana.

“The security provided by the wrestlers has not been withdrawn; it has been decided to ask the Haryana police to take over the responsibility in future as the protected persons usually reside there,” DCP Delhi responded.

The decision was misinterpreted by the designated Delhi Police Public Service Organization, leading to the delay in today's report. The situation has been corrected. The DCP informed that security cover continues.

Vinesh was a finalist at the Paris Olympics but was disqualified for being overweight before the gold medal match.

(Inputs from PTI)