WFI Office Still Operates From Ex-Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's Residence Amid Ongoing Trial
Amid ongoing legal proceedings in the sexual harassment case against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and ex-MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the WFI office continues to operate from Singh’s long-time residence at 21, Ashoka Road, New Delhi. This revelation has raised questions about the state of administrative reforms within the WFI.
In 2023, the sports ministry suspended the WFI, citing several reasons, including the continued use of premises controlled by former office-bearers. As a result, the WFI office had briefly shifted to a one-room facility in Hari Nagar. However, recent reports by The Indian Express reveal that the organization has moved back to Singh’s residence, where it had been based for over a decade during his tenure as president.
WFI Treasurer S.P. Deshwal claimed the office still operated from Hari Nagar. Yet, when reporters visited the Hari Nagar location, they found the premises vacated. Instead, veteran WFI staff were discovered working from Singh's Ashoka Road residence. When questioned about the move, Singh declined to comment on wrestling matters.
Allegations and Charges
The allegations against Singh, which include inappropriate touching and groping, surfaced in early 2023. Two wrestlers reported these incidents, claiming they occurred at Singh’s MP residence, which also housed the WFI office at the time. The Delhi Police subsequently filed a chargesheet in June 2023, following the intervention of the Supreme Court. The case gained widespread attention after prominent wrestlers such as Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Vinesh Phogat led protests in the capital demanding action against Singh.
Singh eventually stepped down as WFI president amidst growing pressure. In late 2023, Sanjay Singh, a close associate of Brij Bhushan, was elected as the new WFI chief. However, the sports ministry suspended the WFI soon after his election, citing governance concerns and unresolved issues within the organization.
Political Implications
Despite the allegations, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh remained politically influential. In the 2024 general elections, the BJP fielded his son, Karan Bhushan Singh, from his Lok Sabha constituency, Kaiserganj, Uttar Pradesh. Karan Bhushan won the seat, maintaining the family's political stronghold in the region.
The continued use of Singh’s residence for WFI operations highlights the lingering influence of the former MP within the wrestling body. A staff member at the residence confirmed that the WFI shifted back from Hari Nagar after a few months, though no official reason was provided for the relocation.
Public Outcry and Ministry’s Response
The allegations against Singh sparked widespread protests, with athletes and civil society groups demanding accountability and structural changes within the WFI. The protests prompted the Supreme Court to direct the Delhi Police to expedite the investigation.
The sports ministry’s suspension of the WFI in 2023 was seen as a step toward addressing these issues. However, critics argue that the ministry has not done enough to ensure transparency and independence within the organization. The WFI’s continued presence at Singh’s residence is seen by many as a failure to break away from the influence of its former chief.
Looking Ahead
The trial against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is ongoing, and the outcome will likely have significant implications for both the WFI and the broader sports administration in India. While the suspension of the WFI was a necessary step, experts believe that more comprehensive reforms are needed to rebuild trust and ensure a safe environment for athletes.
As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the WFI can distance itself from its controversial past and emerge as a transparent, athlete-centric organization.
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