Court orders Delhi Police immediate security for women wrestlers amid Vinesh Phogat's claims on withdrawal

New Delhi: The Rouse Avenue Court has instructed the Delhi Police to provide immediate security arrangements for women wrestlers until their testimony is completed on Thursday, August 22. The directive comes after prominent wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik alleged that the Delhi Police had withdrawn the security provided to women wrestlers who are set to testify against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Singh.

The wrestlers' legal team revealed that three of the women who filed sexual harassment complaints approached the court after discovering their security had been withdrawn on Wednesday. One of these complainants is expected to testify on Thursday, which prompted the court to step in and ensure her protection.

Police action evident 

In response, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Priyanka Rajpoot directed the concerned Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) to make immediate security arrangements. "As an interim measure to ensure the safety of the complainant/victim No. 4 (as per the list of witnesses), the DCP is directed to make immediate and appropriate arrangements for her security until her deposition is complete and until further orders from this court," the judge stated. The court has also requested a detailed report from the Delhi Police by Friday, explaining the reasons for the alleged security withdrawal.

Despite the allegations, the Delhi Police denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the Personal Security Officers (PSOs) were temporarily called away for routine firing and training exercises and that no orders had been given to withdraw security from the wrestlers.Phogat raised concerns on X (formerly Twitter), saying, "Delhi Police has withdrawn the security of the women wrestlers who are going to testify against Brij Bhushan in the court."