New Delhi, August 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia on Monday said they will challenge a Delhi court verdict acquitting former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar in a sexual harassment and intimidation case involving women wrestlers.
The two wrestlers expressed disappointment over the judgment and said their legal team has been instructed to file an appeal before a higher court, asserting that their legal battle against the former WFI chief is not over.
A Delhi court on Monday acquitted Brij Bhushan and Vinod Tomar after concluding that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar of the Rouse Avenue Courts delivered the verdict following the trial in the case registered on complaints by several women wrestlers.
In a statement shared on social media, Vinesh and Bajrang said women wrestlers had faced significant challenges while pursuing legal action against a powerful political figure.
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They alleged that the former WFI chief used his influence to intimidate complainants and claimed that the government machinery had supported him throughout the proceedings. They said the wrestlers remained committed to continuing their legal fight.
The controversy began in January 2023 when Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik led a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, accusing Brij Bhushan of sexual exploitation and intimidation. They had demanded his resignation as WFI president and sought reforms in the federation.
Following their complaints, the Indian Olympic Association constituted an inquiry committee headed by prominent sportspersons, including Mary Kom and Yogeshwar Dutt. The WFI had denied the allegations against its then president and coaches.
The Sports Ministry later suspended the functioning of the WFI and took action against then assistant secretary Vinod Tomar amid the controversy.
In May 2024, the Rouse Avenue Court had framed charges against Brij Bhushan and Vinod Tomar, observing that there was sufficient material to proceed with allegations related to sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of five women wrestlers.
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