Vinesh Phogat Says Wrestlers to Challenge Brij Bhushan's Acquittal in High Court

World Championships medallist Vinesh Phogat on Monday said that the women wrestlers who accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment will challenge a Delhi court's verdict acquitting him. A Delhi court cleared Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar of all charges in the case filed by the women wrestlers. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar acquitted Singh, a former BJP MP, along with Tomar, who previously served as the WFI's assistant secretary.

Reacting to the judgment, Phogat announced on X that the wrestlers had instructed their legal team to move a higher court against the acquittal. "The women wrestlers have asked their lawyers to file an appeal against this decision, and it will be submitted at the earliest. We have not given up hope, and our fight for justice will continue," she wrote.

Phogat also alleged that Singh received protection from the government and claimed that his political influence was used to pressure some complainants into stepping back from the case. "We are deeply disappointed that the court did not hold Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh guilty of the allegations made by the women wrestlers. From the very beginning, we felt that the administration, the government, and the entire system were working to shield him," she said.

She added that it took significant courage for the wrestlers to stage protests and secure the registration of an FIR against a politically influential figure. "Using his influence and political power, Brij Bhushan intimidated several girls into withdrawing their names. Despite that, many women wrestlers remained steadfast and continued pursuing the case in court," Phogat said.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.