New Delhi, August 3: A Delhi court on Monday, August 3, acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar in the sexual harassment case filed by women wrestlers.
Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar acquitted Singh, a former BJP MP, and Tomar, the former WFI assistant secretary, in the case.
World Championships medallist Vinesh Phogat said the women wrestlers would appeal against the acquittal. "The women wrestlers have instructed their lawyers to appeal against this decision, and the appeal will be filed as soon as possible. We have not lost hope, and the wrestlers will continue their fight," Phogat posted on X.
She alleged that the entire state machinery, the government and the system had been working to protect Brij Bhushan since the beginning of the case. "We are deeply saddened that the court did not find Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh guilty of the allegations of sexual violence made by the women wrestlers. From the very beginning, the entire administration, the government, and the system have been engaged in protecting Brij Bhushan," she said.
Phogat further said the wrestlers had to gather courage to register a case against a powerful ruling party leader. "We had to gather a lot of courage to come out onto the streets and get an FIR registered against a powerful leader of the ruling party. Using his influence and political power, Brij Bhushan intimidated several girls into withdrawing their names. However, many women wrestlers stood firm and continued fighting against Brij Bhushan in court," she said.
Speaking to reporters outside the court, Singh welcomed the verdict, calling it an "honourable" acquittal. "On the first day, I had said that if any allegation against me was proved, I would hang myself. The court has now honourably acquitted me. I am happy and grateful to my lawyers," he said, adding that he would comment further after reading the detailed order.
The court had reserved its verdict on July 2 after hearing final arguments. The Delhi Police had filed a chargesheet against Singh in June 2023 under provisions of the Indian Penal Code relating to sexual harassment, stalking, criminal intimidation and assault or use of criminal force intended to outrage the modesty of a woman. The case was filed by six women wrestlers.
(with inputs from PTI)