A Delhi court granted bail to wrestler Bajrang Punia on Thursday in a criminal defamation case filed by coach Naresh Dahiya, who had accused the top wrestler of damaging his reputation with a statement made during the protest against federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Amid the wrestlers' protest, Bajrang asserted that Dahiya lacked credibility to oppose the agitation as he himself was facing a rape case. In response, Dahiya took the matter to court, leading to Bajrang being summoned.
Notably, Bajrang recently experienced a setback at the Asian Games, returning without a medal.
"Bajrang had sought exemption from physical appearance and missed the first three hearings. He appeared physically today and the court has granted him bail. The next date for hearing is March 5," advocate Rajesh Kumar Rexwal, who represented Dahiya, told PTI after the proceedings.
In court, Dahiya argued that he had been acquitted in the rape case, and Bajrang's remarks had adversely affected his reputation.
Wrestlers Bajrang, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik spearheaded a protest against WFI chief, alleging he sexually exploited several women wrestlers.
Singh, currently entangled in a court case over the allegations, vehemently denies all charges.
(With PTI inputs)
