New Delhi, Aug 4:
Citing lack of evidence, a Delhi court on Monday acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar in a sexual harassment case filed by six women wrestlers including World Championships medallist Vinesh Phogat.
The judgment in the high profile case was pronounced by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar. While Singh is an ex BJP MP, Tomar is former WFI assistant secretary.
Phogat said the women wrestlers have instructed their lawyers to appeal against the decision and it would be filed as soon as possible.
The court took note of the inconsistencies and contradictions in the testimonies of the witnesses and honourably acquitted Singh and Tomar, said lawyer Rajiv Mohan, who appeared for Singh.
Senior advocate Rebecca John appeared for the women wrestlers while Singh was represented by advocates Mohan, Rishabh Bhati and Rehan Khan.
A beaming Singh said the court had honourably acquitted him and Tomar.
“I said on the very first day that if the allegations are true, I will hang myself. I am very happy that I have been acquitted today. It is good news for me and good news for my supporters. I cannot say anything more than that,” he said as he emerged from the courtroom.
“For now, this is all I can say. I will comment further after going through the court’s reasoned order,” the ex-BJP MP added.