FIR is filed after initial probe: Delhi Police to SC on wrestlers' protest

The Delhi Police on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that a preliminary probe was needed before it can proceed with the registration of an FIR over sexual harassment allegations levelled by seven women wrestlers against WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha was told by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Delhi Police, that if the top court felt that an FIR was to be lodged straight away, it may be done. "We, prima facie feel, that there was a need to conduct a preliminary investigation before the registration of the FIR," the top law officer said.

Mehta said let an impression not be created that the FIR has not been registered despite the court asking for it. The bench took note of the submissions of Mehta and said Delhi Police may put forth its views on registration of the FIR on April 24 when the plea of wrestlers will be heard.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Delhi government and others on a petition filed by top Indian wrestlers seeking to register an FIR against Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment.

A bench of Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha took note of the submissions of senior advocate Kapil Sibal that, despite the sexual harassment allegations, no FIR has been lodged, reports PTI.

The top wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik, had said that they would continue to press for a proper investigation into their allegations that the WFI president sexually harassed women athletes.

Several national award-winning wrestlers have been protesting at Jantar Mantar, demanding the government make public the findings of the oversight panel that investigated the sexual harassment allegations against Singh.

As many as seven women wrestlers filed fresh sexual harassment complaints against Singh at the Connaught Place police station in Central Delhi on April 21. Though the Delhi Police claimed it was conducting an inquiry into the issue, the wrestlers said an FIR is yet to be filed.

(with PTI inputs)