She said the women wrestlers are disappointed with the Delhi court's verdict but will continue their fight by challenging the decision in a higher court.

'Entire System Worked to Protect Him'

In a statement shared on social media, Vinesh said it took great courage for the women wrestlers to protest and get an FIR registered against a powerful political leader. She alleged that Brij Bhushan used his political influence to pressure several women into withdrawing their complaints.

She added that despite this, many women wrestlers stood by their allegations and continued the legal battle. Vinesh also claimed that the government and the establishment worked to protect the former WFI chief throughout the case.

Wrestlers to Appeal Against the Verdict

Vinesh confirmed that the complainants have instructed their lawyers to file an appeal in a higher court as soon as possible. She said the wrestlers have not lost hope and will continue fighting for justice.

Olympian Bajrang Punia, who was part of the 2023 protests along with Vinesh, also shared her statement on social media in support of the decision to appeal.

Case That Shook Indian Wrestling

The case began in 2023 after several top wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, staged protests demanding Brij Bhushan's arrest and removal as WFI chief.

Earlier this year, Vinesh revealed that she was one of the six women who filed complaints in the case. She said she had kept her identity hidden during the trial to follow Supreme Court guidelines protecting the identity of sexual harassment survivors.

Brij Bhushan Welcomes Court Verdict

After the verdict, Brij Bhushan said he had maintained his innocence from the beginning. Welcoming the court's decision, he said he was happy with the acquittal and called it good news for himself and his supporters. With the complainants preparing to move a higher court, the legal battle is expected to continue.