Minor wrestler withdraws sexual harassment charges against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh: Report

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The ongoing wrestlers' Protest took a hit on Monday as it was reported that the only minor among seven female wrestlers, who accused former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment, has withdrawn her allegations, reported Indian Express.

The unnamed wrestler, who earlier recorded two statements in front of the police and then a magistrate, recorded a fresh statement before a magistrate withdrew her statement. The statement is recorded under section 164 of the CrPC and could mean that it's now up to the Court to decide if the charges can be pursued and which of her statements will be given precedence.

As per the statement given by the minor's father to Delhi Police in its FIR, the wrestler was "completely disturbed and cannot be at peace anymore ...sexual harassment by the accused (Singh) continues to haunt her". It also detailed that Brij Bhushan "holding her tightly, pretending to get a picture clicked," had "squeezed her towards himself, pressed hard on her shoulder and then deliberately...brushed his hands against her breasts".

Following her statement, Singh was booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other charges including, sexual harassment, stalking.

The withdrawal of allegation comes amid return of Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia to duties with the Indian Railways following weeks of protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. This sparked rumours of end of the wrestlers' protest but the trio took to social media to confirm that their protest is ongoing.

"This is our fight for justice. We will not step back," Malik said. "We have resumed our duties in Railways, but we are also working on our future strategy."

Meanwhile, Bajrang Punia posted a video message saying that lies have been spread by the media to end their movement while rejecting claims of rift between the wrestling trio.

"I've come to bust the lies being spread about the athletes. There is no rift among ourselves. No case has been withdrawn. We are all together and fighting. Do not pay attention to rumours being circulated to break up our movement," said Mr Punia.