A Delhi court has acquitted former WFI president and BJP leader Brijbhushan Sharan Singh of all charges in a sexual harassment case filed by female wrestlers. The female wrestlers have been continuously accusing Brijbhushan Sharan Singh and demanding action against him, including staging a protest at Jantar Mantar in 2023. However, the verdict has now come in Brijbhushan Singh’s favor. As soon as the court’s decision was announced, female wrestler Vinesh Phogat posted a lengthy post on the social media platform X, raising serious questions about the government and the system.
Furthermore, Vinesh says that this fight is not over yet and the wrestlers will now appeal to the High Court. However, Brijbhushan Sharan Singh has now been acquitted of the sexual harassment allegations leveled by six female wrestlers.
What did Vinesh Phogat say on the decision?
Immediately after the court’s decision, Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat expressed her disappointment in the verdict, sharing a lengthy post on the social media platform X. She wrote, “It took a lot of courage for us to take to the streets and file an FIR against a powerful leader of the ruling party. Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, using his power and influence, intimidated many girls into withdrawing their names. But many female wrestlers stood firm and continued to fight in court.”
What allegations should the government make against the system?
Vinesh Phogat further said, “We are deeply saddened that the court did not find Brijbhushan Sharan Singh guilty of the sexual harassment allegations leveled by the female wrestlers. From the very beginning, the entire system, the government, and the system were busy protecting him. The female wrestlers have instructed their lawyers to appeal against this decision. This appeal will be filed soon. We have not lost hope and will continue our fight.”
What did Brijbhushan Sharan Singh say after the decision?
After the court’s verdict, Brijbhushan Sharan Singh said that he had believed in his innocence from the beginning. He said, “I had said on the very first day that if the charges were proven true, I would hang myself. Today I have been acquitted. This is good news for me and my supporters.”
How did the whole controversy start?
The issue came to light in January 2023 when several prominent wrestlers from across the country began a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Several athletes, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, accused Brijbhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment and demanded his arrest and removal as WFI president. The Sports Ministry later formed a monitoring committee, but the wrestlers renewed their protests, alleging delays in action.
Full timeline of the case
1. January 2023: First protest by wrestlers at Jantar Mantar.
2. April 2023: 6 female wrestlers filed a formal complaint.
3. After the intervention of the Supreme Court, Delhi Police registered two FIRs.
4. The first FIR was registered on the complaint of six adult female wrestlers.
5. The second FIR was registered under the POCSO Act on the complaint of a minor wrestler.
6. May 2025: The court accepted the closure report of Delhi Police in the case of minor wrestler.
7. June 2023: Delhi Police filed a charge sheet in the case involving adult female wrestlers.
8. May 2024: Court frames charges against Brijbhushan Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar.
9. May 2026: Prosecution testimony completed.
10. June 2026: Statements of the accused were recorded.
11. July 2, 2026: Final debate completed.
12. August 3, 2026: The court acquitted Brijbhushan Sharan Singh.