Sports Ministry holds no details of inquiry report on Brij Bhushan, reveals RTI
New Delhi: An exclusive report by The Quint has revealed through an RTI (Right to Information) inquiry that the Sports Ministry has no records of the investigation report on the allegations of sexual misconduct against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former BJP MP and the former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
The probe into the allegations, which included accusations of sexual harassment, groping, and intimidation made by female wrestlers, was supposed to be overseen by an Oversight Committee led by M.C. Mary Kom. The committee was appointed by the government on 23 January 2023 to investigate the charges and manage the WFI's daily operations. Despite an extension of the submission deadline, the Ministry responded to an RTI query on 26 May, stating that the report is unavailable.
This investigation gained significant public attention, leading to an FIR being filed against Singh following the Supreme Court's intervention in May 2023. In June 2024, the Delhi Police submitted a 1,000-page charge sheet against Singh. On 10 May 2024, a Delhi court found sufficient evidence to charge Singh and WFI's suspended assistant secretary, Vinod Tomar, with sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of five female wrestlers. Both have denied the charges and opted to stand trial.
Wrestler Bajrang Punia criticized the government for the delays and discrepancies in handling the case, questioning the seriousness of the efforts to investigate the allegations.
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AIMPLB criticises JPC's approach on Waqf Amendment Bill, calls for adherence to guidelines
New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has raised serious concerns over alleged procedural violations by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) reviewing the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. AIMPLB spokesperson Dr. SQR Ilyas criticised the JPC's approach, describing it as a "transgression of principles" and a breach of constitutional norms.
Dr. Ilyas stated that the JPC should limit consultations to stakeholders directly associated with Waqf matters. However, he claimed the committee is seeking input from organisations that lack relevance, including Central Ministries, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and groups aligned with the RSS.
In recent developments, six opposition members wrote to the Lok Sabha Speaker, expressing dissatisfaction with JPC Chairperson Jagdambika Pal’s conduct, which they allege has hindered fair discussions. This follows an earlier letter by opposition members condemning the chairman's behaviour.
The AIMPLB has demanded that the committee consider objections from AIMPLB and other recognised Muslim organisations, while excluding entities unrelated to Waqf issues. It also urged the JPC to refrain from rushing its report and to follow due process, ensuring thorough debate among members before submission.
