The Delhi Rouse Avenue Court cleared former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the women wrestlers’ harassment case. The verdict also cleared Vinod Tomar, former WFI assistant secretary.
Following the decision, wrestler Vinesh Phogat and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi shared their reactions. Vinesh said wrestlers needed great courage to protest and register an FIR against a powerful leader.
Vinesh Phogat questions the verdict
Vinesh Phogat said wrestlers faced pressure while fighting against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. She claimed power and influence forced several girls to withdraw their names.
However, she said some women wrestlers continued their fight. They appeared in court and challenged the allegations against Brij Bhushan.
Vinesh expressed disappointment over the court decision. She said the court did not find Brij Bhushan guilty of the sexual violence allegations made by women wrestlers.
She also alleged that the government, system, and entire mechanism worked from the beginning to protect Brij Bhushan. According to Vinesh, wrestlers have instructed their lawyers to appeal against the verdict soon.
Moreover, she said wrestlers have not lost hope. They will continue their legal battle.
Priyanka Gandhi targets government, Brij Bhushan responds
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi criticised the government after the verdict. She questioned the difference between its statements and actions.
She said, “On one side they say they support youth, women empowerment, and women reservation. On the other side, this is in front of us.”
Meanwhile, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh reacted to the court decision. He said his first statement about the matter proved correct.
Brij Bhushan stated that he did not know about the other side. He added that his first reaction was being ready to hang himself.
Furthermore, he called the current moment a matter of happiness. The court also cleared Vinod Tomar, who served as WFI’s assistant secretary during that period.
