The Delhi court cited lack of sufficient evidence while acquitting BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the case filed by women wrestlers
Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was acquitted on Monday in the sexual harassment case filed by six women wrestlers after a Delhi court ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove the allegations beyond the required legal standard.
Delivering its verdict, the Rouse Avenue Court held that there was insufficient evidence to sustain the charges against Singh, bringing an end to one of the most closely watched legal cases in Indian sport.
The case originated from allegations made by six women wrestlers, including Olympian Vinesh Phogat, who later publicly disclosed that she was among the complainants. The wrestlers accused Singh of sexual harassment during his tenure as WFI chief. Singh had consistently denied all allegations throughout the investigation and trial.
The accusations triggered nationwide protests in 2023, with several of India’s top wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, staging a prolonged sit-in at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar demanding Singh’s arrest and his removal from the Wrestling Federation of India.
The agitation drew widespread attention across the country and internationally after police detained several protesting athletes during their march towards the new Parliament building, prompting criticism from sections of the sporting community.
Earlier this year, Vinesh Phogat said she had initially kept her identity confidential in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines protecting the identity of sexual harassment survivors before publicly confirming that she was one of the complainants.
She had also alleged that the current Wrestling Federation of India continued to function under Singh’s influence and questioned the fairness of organising ranking tournaments at an educational institution owned by him in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2026 Asian Games selection process.
Reacting to Monday’s verdict, Singh welcomed the court’s decision and reiterated that he had maintained his innocence from the outset.
“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.
The verdict concludes a case that dominated Indian wrestling for more than three years and had far-reaching implications for the administration of the sport as well as athlete welfare and governance.
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
