Overview

• On May 29, Metropolitan Magistrate Yashdeep Chahal formally compounded the defamation suit filed by coach Naresh Dahiya against Olympic wrestler Bajrang Punia
• Punia had referred to a 2019 rape charge against Dahiya during a May 10, 2023 press conference at Jantar Mantar in protests over alleged harassment by WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh
• In a May 17 apology, Punia expressed deep regret for his “wrong and insensitive” comments and acknowledged Dahiya’s contributions as a coach
• Court records show Dahiya was acquitted of the 2019 rape allegation, a fact the judge noted was known to Punia and his counsel
• Both parties reached a private settlement, prompting the court to close the defamation proceedings without further sanctions