Attacks – Journalists

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is facing backlash on social media for allegedly breaking a reporter’s mic after he was asked a question about the charge sheet filed by the Delhi Police on the basis of the sexual harassment allegations levelled by some top wrestlers.

Singh, who has headed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for 12 years, has been charged under Indian Penal Code (IPC)’s sections 354 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty), 354A (sexual harassment) and 354D (stalking). A conviction under section 354 carries a maximum jail term of five years, three years under section 354A and three years under section 354D.

When a Times Now reporter asked Singh whether he would resign as a member of Parliament, a visibly irked lawmaker said, “Why would I resign? Why are you asking for resignation?” As the reporter tried to highlight the grave charges he was facing, the angry MP said, “Chup (Shut up)”. The reporter chased Singh to his car to get an answer but the outgoing chief of the wrestling federation slammed the door, breaking the reporter’s mic.