Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and former BJP MP Brijbhushan Sharan Singh was acquitted by Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Monday in an alleged sexual harassment case involving women wrestlers. The court also acquitted former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar, who was a co-accused in the case.
Brijbhushan Sharan Singh arrived at the Rouse Avenue Court on Monday morning before the verdict. Speaking to the media, he said, “The court will say whatever it wants; we won’t comment right now.” During the hearing, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Ashwini Panwar acquitted him of the charges. The court had reserved its decision in the case on July 2, following which the verdict was announced on Monday.
Six women wrestlers had made allegations
The case stemmed from complaints from six female wrestlers who accused Brijbhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment and abuse of power. In January 2023, Olympic medalists Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and wrestler Vinesh Phogat launched a campaign against Brijbhushan Singh and demanded action.
Based on the complaints, the Delhi Police registered an FIR against Brijbhushan Singh. The FIR also named Vinod Tomar, former assistant secretary of the WFI.
Police had filed a charge sheet
The Delhi Police filed a charge sheet against Brijbhushan Sharan Singh under various sections in June 2023. Subsequently, the trial court framed charges in May 2024 under sections such as sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of a woman in the case related to the allegations made by five female wrestlers.
The case involving the minor wrestler was closed
In this case, a minor wrestler also accused Brijbhushan Singh. However, she later withdrew her complaint. Following this, the Delhi Police filed a cancellation report in the case registered under the POCSO Act, which was accepted by the court, and the case was closed. Following the court’s decision, Brijbhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar have now received legal relief in this case.