Ex-WFI chief Brij Bhushan, Vinod Tomar acquitted in sexual harassment case; Vinesh, Bajrang vow to appeal

Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court on August 3 acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and former secretary Vinod Tomar of the sexual harassment case field by women wrestlers. 

Singh and Tomar were booked under sections 354, 354D, 354A, 606 (1) and 109 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

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The hearing took place in a closed courtroom. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) acquitted Singh and Tomar. The court will later upload a detailed judgement. 

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In 2023, women wrestlers launched a protest in Jantar Mantar, Delhi. Eventually, the Delhi Police field a 1500 page charge sheet after lodging an FIR from women wrestlers.

Vinesh, Bajrang vow to continue fighting

Following the judgement, wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia said that they haven't lost hope. They are set to appeal against the acquittal. 

Earlier this year, Vinesh had revealed that she is one of the six victims who had filed a sexual harassment complaint against Burij Bhushan. She posted a video on social media when she pointed out safety concerns at the National Open Ranking tournament in Gonda.

"We had to gather a lot of courage to take to the streets and file an FIR against a powerful, strongman politician from the ruling party. Leveraging his political power and muscle, Brij Bhushan intimidated many girls into withdrawing their complaints," Vinesh wrote in a post on social media.

"Many female wrestlers stood firm and continued the legal battle against Brij Bhushan. We are deeply saddened that the court did not find Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh guilty of the allegations of sexual violence levelled by the female wrestlers," the post added.

Vinesh and Bajrang went on to blame the government and the system for shielding Brij Bhushan.

Brij Bhushan alleges conspiracy against him

Meanwhile, Brij Bhushan said that he was fighting for the rights of junior athletes all along. He alleged that the entire case was a conspiracy against him. He further added that he would hang himself if the allegations were found to be true.