Former WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh Acquitted in Women Wrestlers' Harassment Case; Reacts After Court Verdict
Former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has been acquitted by Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court in the women wrestlers' sexual harassment case due to lack of sufficient evidence. Following the verdict, he said the judgment had restored his honour. The case had triggered nationwide protests by top Indian wrestlers in 2023 and significantly impacted his political career.
New Delhi: Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and six-time MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has been acquitted by Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court in the alleged sexual harassment case filed by several women wrestlers. The court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to establish the charges against Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar.
Following the verdict, supporters celebrated outside the court by bursting crackers, while Brij Bhushan called the judgment a moment of "honour and justice."
Brij Bhushan's First Reaction
Reacting to the acquittal, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said that he had maintained his innocence from the very beginning.
"On the very first day the allegations surfaced, I had said that if even one accusation against me was proven, I would hang myself. Today, the court has honourably acquitted me. This is a day of happiness for me and my supporters," he said.
Background of the Case
The case stemmed from allegations made by several women wrestlers, who accused Brij Bhushan of sexually harassing them between 2016 and 2019 at the WFI office, his official residence, and during international tours.
In 2023, leading wrestlers including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia staged a high-profile protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar demanding action against the former WFI chief. Following the protests, Delhi Police registered an FIR and later filed a chargesheet, leading to the trial.
However, after examining the evidence presented, the court acquitted both Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar.
Allegations Against Brij Bhushan
The complainants had accused Brij Bhushan of:
•Making demands for sexual favours.
•Inappropriate physical contact, including touching women wrestlers on the chest and stomach.
•Stalking and intimidating athletes.
•Misusing his position during official meetings and foreign tours.
Delhi Police had filed charges under Sections 354, 354A, and 354D of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
A separate case under the POCSO Act, based on a complaint involving a minor wrestler, was later closed after the complainant's father withdrew the allegations.
Political Impact
The allegations had significant political consequences. Brij Bhushan was denied a BJP ticket for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections due to the controversy. Instead, the party fielded his son Karan Bhushan Singh, who went on to win the election.
With the court now acquitting Brij Bhushan, speculation has begun over whether he may return to active electoral politics in the future.