New Delhi, August 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Monday described his acquittal in the wrestlers’ sexual harassment case as a victory for junior players and claimed the proceedings showed that even Olympic medallists could make false allegations for personal interests.
A Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi earlier in the day acquitted Singh, a BJP leader, and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar in the case filed by several women wrestlers. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar held that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
Reacting to the verdict, Singh said the outcome was not his personal victory but a triumph for junior wrestlers who had supported him.
“This is not my victory. This is the victory of junior players. The junior players have won. And this case has proved that even Olympians and Olympic medal winners can lie for their own interests,” Singh told IANS.
He added that the allegations against him were linked to his efforts to raise issues concerning players and junior athletes.
Speaking about the political criticism he faced during the controversy, Singh said several people had demanded strict action against him but added that he did not wish to name anyone.
Earlier, after the verdict was announced, Singh said it was a moment of happiness for him and his supporters. He maintained that he would have accepted the court’s decision even if it had gone against him.
The case originated in January 2023 after wrestlers, including Olympic medallists Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, staged a protest at Jantar Mantar, accusing Singh of sexual harassment and intimidation. They had demanded his removal as WFI chief and sought reforms in the federation.
Following complaints submitted to Indian Olympic Association president P.T. Usha, an inquiry committee comprising prominent sportspersons was constituted. The WFI had denied the allegations against Singh and its officials.
The Union Sports Ministry had later suspended the functioning of the federation and sidelined Vinod Tomar during the controversy.
With Monday’s court order, the trial concluded with the acquittal of both accused.
FOLLOW NOW
