Brij Bhushan Acquittal Explained: Delhi Court Calls Sexual Harassment Allegations Unproven, Wrestlers to Appeal

Key Highlights

• Delhi court acquits former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
• Court also acquits former WFI Assistant Secretary Vinod Tomar.
• Judge says prosecution failed to establish charges beyond reasonable doubt.
• Court describes allegations as false and fabricated in its findings.
• Two complainants reportedly turned hostile during the trial.
• Court notes delay in complaints and continued interactions with the accused.
• Wrestlers have announced plans to challenge the acquittal.
• The case had triggered nationwide protests by top Indian wrestlers in 2023.

The Delhi court has acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and former WFI Assistant Secretary Vinod Tomar in the sexual harassment case filed by several women wrestlers, bringing a significant development in one of India's most closely followed sports controversies.

According to the court's findings, the prosecution failed to establish the allegations beyond reasonable doubt, leading to the acquittal of both accused.

Court Finds Evidence Insufficient

The court observed that the prosecution could not present enough credible evidence to sustain the charges during the trial.

According to the findings, two complainants whose statements formed an important part of the prosecution's case did not support the allegations during the proceedings. Their testimony weakened the overall case and contributed significantly to the court's conclusion.

The court reportedly described the allegations as "false and fabricated" while noting that the evidence presented did not meet the legal threshold required for conviction.

Court Questions Conduct After Alleged Incidents

The court also considered the conduct of some complainants after the alleged incidents.

Observations included that some wrestlers continued interacting with Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, attended family events connected to him, and did not immediately report the alleged incidents despite opportunities to do so.

The court stated that these circumstances raised questions regarding the prosecution's version of events.

Background of the Case

The case originated in 2023 after several women wrestlers accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment while he served as the Wrestling Federation of India chief.

Following the complaints, Delhi Police filed a chargesheet under various provisions related to sexual harassment, outraging the modesty of a woman, stalking and criminal intimidation.

In May 2024, the trial court framed charges against Singh, allowing the case to proceed to trial.

Former WFI official Vinod Tomar was also named as an accused in connection with criminal intimidation allegations involving one complainant.

Earlier POCSO Case Closed

A separate case involving a minor wrestler under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was closed earlier after the complainant withdrew the allegations. Delhi Police subsequently filed a cancellation report, which was accepted.

2023 Wrestlers' Protest Drew National Attention

The allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh sparked one of the biggest protests in Indian sports history.

Olympians and international wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, staged a prolonged protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, demanding Singh's arrest and action against the Wrestling Federation of India leadership.

The protest received nationwide attention and triggered widespread debate on athlete safety, governance in sports bodies and accountability.

Wrestlers to Challenge the Verdict

Following the acquittal, the wrestlers have decided to challenge the judgment in a higher court.

Vinesh Phogat confirmed that legal counsel has been instructed to file an appeal against the acquittal, indicating that the legal battle is likely to continue.

Meanwhile, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has maintained that the allegations were politically motivated and has consistently denied all accusations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why was Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh acquitted?
The Delhi court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.

2. Who else was acquitted in the case?
Former WFI Assistant Secretary Vinod Tomar was also acquitted.

3. What were the allegations against Brij Bhushan Singh?
He faced allegations of sexual harassment, outraging the modesty of women, stalking and criminal intimidation.

4. Why did the prosecution's case weaken?
Two complainants reportedly turned hostile during the trial and did not support earlier allegations.

5. Did the court release the full judgment?
The detailed judgment has not been made public, but key findings have been reported.

6. Will the wrestlers appeal the decision?
Yes. The complainants have confirmed they will challenge the acquittal in a higher court.

7. What happened to the POCSO case?
The separate case involving a minor wrestler was closed after the complaint was withdrawn.

8. When did the controversy begin?
The allegations became public in 2023 and led to nationwide protests by India's leading wrestlers.

9. Who were the prominent wrestlers involved in the protest?
Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia were among the leading faces of the protest.

10. What happens next?
The next stage will likely be an appeal before a higher court challenging the acquittal.