Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court delivered a major decision in the women wrestlers’ sexual harassment case. The court acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Along with him, his associate Vinod Tomar also received acquittal. Special Judge Ashwini Panwar announced the decision inside a closed courtroom. Earlier, the court framed charges against Brij Bhushan under sections 354 and 354A on 10 May 2024. The court also framed charges against Vinod Tomar in the same matter. Several women wrestlers had accused them of sexual harassment.
Brij Bhushan reacts after court relief
After the verdict, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said he would not comment further at that moment. He stated that the court cleared him after three years. According to him, he always believed the allegations came from a conspiracy.
Furthermore, Brij Bhushan said the truth proved his earlier statement correct. He added that he never considered himself guilty. He also said he fought for those whose rights faced challenges.
He expressed confidence that athletes would now achieve success globally. Brij Bhushan said players would continue bringing recognition to the country.
Case became major sports and political issue
The matter became one of the biggest issues in Indian sports and politics during 2023. Several women wrestlers accused Brij Bhushan of sexual harassment during his tenure as WFI chief. They also alleged intimidation and stalking. Meanwhile, leading wrestlers held a prolonged protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The demonstration continued for months over these allegations.
Following Supreme Court intervention, Delhi Police registered an FIR in the case. Later, police submitted a charge sheet of around 1,500 pages before the court in June 2023.
Afterward, the trial against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh began in May 2024. The court’s latest decision now marks a significant development in the long-running case.
