New Delhi: After news of the minor female wrestler withdrawing her complaint against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh went viral on social media Monday, her father clarified to ThePrint that they have not withdrawn the complaint.
“The news is completely fake. I have not withdrawn the complaint. I have taken the decision to fight it out and I will,” he told ThePrint over the phone.
However, he added that this journey to justice is proving to be extremely tough and that there are days when he and his daughter find themselves questioning their determination. “Yes, I have the spirit to fight. I am fighting it, but till when can I keep going? This experience has completely drained me,” he said.
Earlier, media reports had quoted a man claiming to be the minor’s uncle as saying in a video that, “I specifically asked her if something like this has happened, she has said nothing of that sort has happened.”
The uncle and the minor’s father have reportedly not spoken to each other in years. In the viral video, over which the Delhi Commission for Women served a notice to Delhi Police, the uncle also revealed the identity of the minor and her father.
In April, seven wrestlers, including the minor, had lodged complaints of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan, following which he was booked in two separate FIRs. Singh has also been booked under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
In the minor’s complaint, the father has said that the WFI chief’s “sexual harassment” continues to haunt his daughter who “can’t be at peace anymore”.
Speaking to ThePrint, he said that after the FIRs against Brij Bhushan were leaked on WhatsApp, the media came banging on his doors, asking to meet her. “It is draining,” he said.
A senior coach close to the wrestlers told ThePrint that for now the minor and her family have been moved to a safe location.
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who along with others is seeking Brij Bhushan’s immediate arrest under the POCSO Act, had earlier alleged in a conversation with ThePrint that their families were receiving threats from the WFI chief.
When asked if they are still receiving threats, the minor’s father refused to comment. “I don’t want to discuss this case at all,” he said.
The protesting wrestlers had also reportedly met Home Minister Amit Shah on the night of 3 June at his office. The same was confirmed to ThePrint by Sudesh Malik, Sakshi’s mother. However, she said, “Nothing came of the meeting, because the Home Minister refused to meet our key demand.” She refused to give further details.
Raj Kumar, ADG Home Ministry, Press Information Bureau, meanwhile told ThePrint that, to his knowledge, no such meeting took place.
(Edited by Zinnia Ray Chaudhuri)
Also Read: ‘Left our rooms in groups to avoid being alone with him’ — what FIRs against Brij Bhushan allege