Wrestlers' Sexual Harassment Case: Accused Brij Bhushan, His Son Excluded From Upcoming WFI Elections

The upcoming executive body of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) will not include Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh or his son.

Brij Bhushan, the former WFI president and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP, is currently facing charges of sexual harassment. Neither he nor his son, Karan Pratap, found a place in the electoral college for the 12 August polls.

During a meeting with sports minister Anurag Thakur last month, the protesting wrestlers — Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat — expressed their demand that no one from Brij Bhushan's family should be allowed to contest the polls.

They were also promised a say in determining the individuals who will hold the key positions of president, general secretary, and treasurer.

Out of the three family members of Brij Bhushan who were previously part of the WFI before its dissolution in April, only his son-in-law, Vishal Singh, is included in the electoral college.

The final list was confirmed on Tuesday (25 July).

However, Aditya Pratap Singh, another son-in-law and former joint secretary, is not listed. Vishal, as the president of the Bihar Wrestling Association, will represent his state, but it is understood that he is not competing for any top positions, including president, general secretary, and treasurer.

It is important to note that only members included in the electoral college are eligible to contest for positions and cast votes.

The deadline for nominating candidates for various positions, including the president, is 1 August. The scrutiny of nominations will take place on the following day, and the final list of candidates will be released on 7 August. If necessary, voting will be held on 12 August.

The elections are happening amidst sexual harassment allegations against Brij Bhushan, who was recently granted bail by a Delhi court.