Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Monday described his acquittal in the wrestlers’ sexual harassment case as a “moment of happiness” after a Delhi court cleared him and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar of all charges.
Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar of the Rouse Avenue Courts acquitted both accused, ruling that the prosecution had failed to establish the allegations of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation beyond reasonable doubt.
Reacting to the verdict, Brij Bhushan told reporters that he respected the judicial process and welcomed the court’s decision.
“Today, the court has honourably acquitted me,” he said.
Responding to questions about his earlier claim that the case was politically motivated, he declined to elaborate, saying he did not wish to comment on the issue at this stage. Referring to an earlier statement, Singh said he had maintained that he would accept the verdict if found guilty, adding that such a situation had not arisen.
“It is a moment of happiness for me and all my supporters,” he said.
The case stemmed from allegations made in 2023 by several women wrestlers, including Olympians Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, who accused Singh of sexual harassment and intimidation. The athletes had launched a high-profile protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding his resignation as WFI chief and reforms within the federation.
Following the complaints, the Indian Olympic Association constituted an inquiry committee comprising eminent sportspersons, including Mary Kom and Yogeshwar Dutt. During the controversy, the Union Sports Ministry suspended the functioning of the WFI and sidelined Vinod Tomar from his responsibilities.
With Monday’s judgment, the trial arising from the complaints filed by the women wrestlers has concluded, bringing the criminal proceedings against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar to an end.
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