Brij Bhushan Singh cleared in sexual harassment case (Img: X)
New Delhi: A Delhi court on Monday acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the sexual harassment case filed by several women wrestlers, bringing an end to one of the country's most closely watched sports-related legal proceedings.
Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar of the Rouse Avenue Court acquitted both Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar. The judgment was pronounced after the court had reserved its verdict last month following detailed arguments from the prosecution, complainants and the defence.
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Following the verdict, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh welcomed the court's decision and said the judgment had vindicated the stand he had maintained since the beginning of the case.
"The honourable judge said that Brij Bhushan Singh and Vinod Tomar are acquitted with honour. From the very first day, I had said that if even a single allegation against me was proved, I would be ready to face the harshest punishment."
He said he had complete faith that the truth would ultimately prevail. "Today, the court has acquitted us with honour and it is a matter of happiness for me. What I had said on the first day has turned out to be true. I did not know what the other side was thinking, but my first reaction was that the truth would prevail. Today is a moment of happiness."
Recalling his earlier statement, Singh added "On the first day, when my first statement came, I had said that if any verdict or any charge is proven, I will hang myself. Today, the court acquitted me with honour. It is a matter of joy for me and my supporters. Today is a happy day."
The case originated after several women wrestlers, including Olympians Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, accused Singh of sexual harassment during his tenure as WFI chief. The alleged incidents were reported to have taken place between 2016 and 2019 at the WFI office, Singh's official residence and during overseas events.
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Delhi Police filed a chargesheet in 2023, invoking provisions of the then Indian Penal Code relating to sexual harassment, assault, stalking and criminal intimidation. Vinod Tomar was also named as a co-accused.
Soon after the judgment, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh reached his residence in New Delhi, where supporters welcomed him with flower petals, slogans and firecrackers. The acquittal marks a major legal development in a case that triggered nationwide protests by wrestlers in 2023 and sparked a wider debate on athlete safety, accountability and governance in Indian sports.
