Mumbai, Aug 3 (PTI) Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal on Monday took a dim view of the acquittal of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a sexual harassment case, calling it the country’s misfortune under a “mute, deaf and blind” government.
Talking to PTI Videos, Sapkal underscored the timing of the decision, remarking on the irony that the honour of the athletes who brought India respect at the just-concluded Commonwealth Games has been undermined.
A Delhi court on Monday acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar in a sexual harassment case filed by women wrestlers.
The Delhi Police had filed a chargesheet against Singh, a six-time MP, on June 15 under sections 354 (assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (sexual harassment), 354D (stalking) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.
Reacting to the court order, Sapkal said the law is “blind” (andha kanoon) in the country.
These women have raised the country’s honour; they are truly the pride and dignity of the nation, he said, adding that a person like Singh should have been dealt with strictly.
“He (Singh) needed to be taught a strong lesson. But it is our country’s misfortune that a mute, deaf, and blind government is in power,” Sapkal charged.
If any worker, leader or person from the BJP does anything — even something as grave as rape — they can still be acquitted. Somewhere this decision appears to send that message, he claimed.
“The real face of the Bharatiya Janata Party is unfortunately before all of us. But while this face has been exposed, the dignity which women deserved, the dignity of the country, and the respect that should be there for athletes have been lowered a lot,” Sapkal claimed.
The Congress leader said he was personally hurt by Singh’s acquittal and reaffirmed his support to all sisters and athletes.
“As a citizen of this country, I apologise to them that this country could not deliver justice to them. But in future, with a change in power, the strictest punishment will be given to such people,” he stated.
Sapkal also pointed to the timing of the decision, saying, “See the irony; on one hand the Commonwealth Games are going on, and on the other hand, the honour of the athletes who raised our respect at the international level in the same competition was attacked.” “But the one who attacked that honour was given a medal of acquittal, a gold medal hung around his neck. Modi ji, this country will never forgive you,” he added. PTI PS GK
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