NEW DELHI: In a defiant move, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India, made his first public appearance since facing allegations of sexual misconduct, as he held a political rally on Sunday.
Singh, who is also a federal lawmaker from Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s ruling party, addressed his supporters in his political constituency in Uttar Pradesh.
Singh, who is currently under police investigation following accusations by seven female wrestlers, denied all the allegations when asked by reporters at the rally.
“I will not comment on the allegations. I am waiting for the court order on this case,” he stated, clad in a saffron robe and turban, reminiscent of Hindu monks.

During the scorching heat, Singh expressed his commitment to serving the people and continuing to implement policies introduced by Prime Minister Modi. The crowd of supporters echoed their loyalty, shouting slogans such as “long live our lawmaker” and “we stand with you.”
The accusations against Singh have triggered protests by India’s top wrestlers and athletes, with some facing detention and forceful dispersal by authorities. The distressing images of athletes being dragged away and loaded onto buses quickly went viral, drawing criticism from prominent athletes and opposition politicians. Wrestlers resorted to threatening to discard their hard-earned medals into the Ganges River before securing meetings with government ministers.
Singh’s case has shed light on the government’s response to criminal complaints against influential members of Modi’s party. The Delhi police launched two investigations against Singh in April, including one under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
Global sports organisations have also taken notice of the case. United World Wrestling, the international governing body, condemned the brief detentions of wrestlers during protests and expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of the investigations against Singh.
The Sport and Rights Alliance, a global coalition promoting human rights in sports, called on the International Olympic Committee to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation into the allegations. Network coordinator Joanna Maranhao emphasized the courage required to break the silence and disclose cases of sexual abuse.
As the investigations continue, the wrestling community and the public await the findings of the Delhi police, eagerly anticipating a court order that will determine the path forward in this troubling case.
(With inputs from Reuters)