Did the Delhi Court Accept the Closure Report in the POCSO Case Against Ex-WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Singh?

Synopsis
A Delhi court's acceptance of the police's closure report in the case against <b>Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh</b> raises important questions about the handling of sexual harassment allegations, especially under the POCSO Act. With the complainants expressing satisfaction, what does this mean for future cases?
Key Takeaways
- Delhi Court accepts closure report in POCSO case.
- Minor wrestler's allegations against Brij Bhushan Singh lack corroborative evidence.
- Complainant and father express satisfaction with police investigation.
- Case highlights complexities of handling sexual harassment allegations.
- Importance of POCSO Act in protecting minors.
New Delhi, May 26 (NationPress) A court in the capital has accepted the Delhi Police's report recommending the closure of a sexual harassment case filed by a minor wrestler against the former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. "Cancellation accepted," announced Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Gomti Manocha of the Patiala House Courts.
Previously, on May 17, ASJ Manocha had summoned the young athlete, who accused Singh of sexual harassment during her minor years, directing her to appear in court on May 26. The police's cancellation report was filed on June 15, 2023, and was not contested by the complainant.
On August 1, 2023, the victim along with her father expressed their approval of the police investigation, voicing no objections to the findings in the case.
They provided their statements during an in-chamber session before ASJ Chaavi Kapoor.
On July 4, 2023, the court sought the complainant's response regarding the police's cancellation report.
The 550-page report submitted by the police to the Patiala House Courts indicated that no corroborative evidence supported the allegations made by the minor wrestler.
"In the POCSO matter, after the investigation concluded, we have submitted a report under Section 173 of the CrPC requesting the cancellation of the case based on the testimonies of the complainant, namely the father of the victim and the victim herself," stated the Delhi Police.
The FIR concerning the allegations by the minor wrestler was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, along with applicable sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) relating to the act of outraging modesty.
However, the father of the minor wrestler later came forward, asserting that he had lodged a "false" complaint of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan.
He claimed that his actions were motivated by anger and frustration regarding the perceived biased treatment towards his daughter by the WFI Chief.
A subsequent statement from the minor, recorded under Section 164 of the CrPC, indicated that she did not accuse Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment, according to sources.
The Delhi Police had registered two distinct FIRs against the former WFI chief based on allegations of sexual harassment.
The first FIR pertained to the accusations made by a minor and was filed under the POCSO Act, along with relevant sections of the IPC regarding the act of outraging modesty.
The second FIR focused on comprehensive investigations into complaints made by adult victims and involved relevant sections of the IPC related to the outraging of modesty.