NEW DELHI: Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Monday welcomed the Delhi court’s decision acquitting him in the sexual harassment case involving women wrestlers, describing it as a “happy day” for himself and his supporters while saying he would wait for the detailed judgment before commenting further.A Delhi court acquitted Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar in the high-profile case that had dominated Indian wrestling for more than two years and sparked nationwide protests by some of the country’s top wrestlers.Speaking to reporters shortly after the verdict, Singh reiterated the stand he had maintained since the allegations first surfaced.“On the first day, when my first statement came, I had said that if any verdict or any charge is proven, I will hang myself. Today, the court acquitted me with honour. It is a matter of joy for me and my supporters… Today is a happy day,” Singh said.He also thanked his legal team for their efforts and said he would wait for the court’s detailed order before making any further comments on the case.
Delhi court acquits Brij Bhushan Singh and Vinod Tomar
Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Ashwani Panwar of the Rouse Avenue Court pronounced the verdict, acquitting both Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar.The proceedings were held in a closed courtroom after the court had reserved its judgment following the completion of final arguments by both the prosecution and defence.The case arose from allegations made by six women wrestlers, who accused Singh of sexual harassment during his tenure as WFI president.Following the complaints and protests by leading wrestlers at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar in 2023, the Delhi Police registered an FIR and later filed a 1,500-page chargesheet against Singh.The chargesheet invoked Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty), 354A (sexual harassment), 354D (stalking) and 506(1) (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.Tomar was named as a co-accused and faced allegations of criminal intimidation.
Trial followed nationwide protests
The case became one of the biggest controversies in Indian sport, with several prominent wrestlers demanding action against Singh and staging prolonged protests in the national capital.In May 2024, the trial court framed charges against Singh for offences under Sections 354 and 354A of the IPC in connection with allegations made by five women wrestlers. Charges under Section 506(1) relating to criminal intimidation were also framed based on complaints by two wrestlers.Tomar was also charged with criminal intimidation for allegedly threatening one of the complainants.During the trial, the court heard detailed submissions from both sides. The court also examined members of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), including the investigating officer.A separate case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act involving a minor wrestler had earlier been closed after the complainant withdrew her allegations, following which the Delhi Police filed a cancellation report.
