Newly-Elected WFI Office Bearers Were Working From Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's Bungalow: Report

Amid the suspension of newly-elected body of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) over 'hasty decisions', it has been reported that Sanjay Singh and his team were functioning day-to-day affairs of the federation from Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's official bungalow.

While Sanjay Singh has already been spotted celebrating his win with Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh following the WFI Election result, Brij Bhushan's bungalow is the same spot where the previous office-bearers operated wherein allegedly sexual harassment of the players have been alleged.

wfi-brij-bhushan-sharan-singh-sanjay-singh — Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh (left) earlier was seen celebration with Sanjay Kumar after the latter won WFI elections (Photo: PTI)

"Newly-elected body appears to be in complete control of former office-bearers in complete disregard to the Sports Code. The business of the Federation is being run from the premises controlled by former office-bearers. Which is also alleged premises wherein sexual harassment of the players has been alleged and present (ly) the court is hearing the matter," a source told PTI.

Sanjay Singh was accused of making decisions in haste since taking charge of WFI as he decided to move U-15 and U-20 Nationals to Gonda without consulting the Executive Committee of WFI.

"The decisions made by the newly-elected executive body of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) demonstrate a blatant disregard for the established legal and procedural norms, violating both the WFI's constitutional provisions and the National Sports Development Code," the source said.

Several top wrestlers, including Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik and World Championship medallist Vinesh Phogat have levelled allegations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan and the case is being heard in the Delhi High Court.
The source added that all these actions by the new body are contrary to the established norms of fair and transparent governance.

"The actions smack of complete arbitrariness on part of the President, which is against the settled principles of good governance and devoid of transparency and due process. Adherence to governance norms is vital for ensuring fair play, transparency and accountability. There are crucial to built trust among athletes, stakeholders, and the public," said the source.

-With inputs from PTI