The Facts
- On Thursday, Indian police filed sexual harassment and criminal intimidation charges against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the chief of the country's wrestling federation and a member of parliament with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
- Singh, who’s accused of groping female wrestlers and demanding sexual favors, had also been accused of abusing a minor, though the father of that individual has since withdrawn the complaint. Singh has dismissed the allegations as a "conspiracy" to force him out of parliament.
- After six alleged female victims levied the accusations, protests began in January, led by two prominent Olympic medalists and a championship wrestler. But protests were paused after videos of detained protesters emerged and police promised to complete an investigation by June 15.
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The Spin
Narrative A
As if the allegations of Singh's sexual abuse weren’t devastating enough, the Indian government’s lack of a response is a glaring example of PM Narendra Modi’s corruption. This weak probe is nothing more than a façade to protect Singh, despite overwhelming evidence of his guilt. Hopefully, the bravery of these wrestlers will finally force some government action.
Narrative B
There are obvious reasons these accusations against Singh could be politically motivated, which is why the legal process must play out. Indian police have worked diligently so far to investigate the situation, but charges do not equal guilt. Only once a court has scrutinized the accusations and Singh's defense can a final judgment be made.
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