New Delhi: Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court has acquitted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, former president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and former Member of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party, of sexual harassment charges leveled by female wrestlers. The court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Ashwini Panwar acquitted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar of all charges due to a lack of evidence.
Court Verdict and Key Points
Lack of Evidence: After studying the detailed arguments of both sides and the evidence presented, the court found that there was insufficient and concrete evidence to prove the allegations against the accused.
In-Camera Hearing: The court had reserved its verdict after final arguments were completed in this high-profile case. Keeping security and privacy in mind, the entire legal proceeding was conducted in-camera.
Relief for Co-Accused: The court also acquitted Vinod Tomar, former Assistant Secretary of WFI, of all charges.
From Jantar Mantar to Courtroom: Complete Timeline of the Case
January 2023 (Allegations and Protests): The country's top female wrestlers—Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia—started a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, leveling serious allegations of sexual exploitation against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Complaint and FIR: Delhi Police registered a case after complaints were lodged by the wrestlers with the Sports Ministry, the Indian Olympic Association, and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Chargesheet and Trial: In June 2023, Delhi Police filed a chargesheet in court following a detailed investigation. In May 2024, the court framed charges under various sections of the IPC and formally initiated the trial.
Final Verdict: After lengthy legal hearings, witness statements, and arguments, the court delivered its final verdict on August 3, 2026, acquitting Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Political Influence of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is considered to have deep political and social influence in Uttar Pradesh's Devipatan division (Gonda, Balrampur, Bahraich, and Kaiserganj). Having started his journey in student union politics in the late 1970s, Brij Bhushan has served as a 6-time Lok Sabha MP from Gonda, Balrampur, and Kaiserganj constituencies. Currently, his son Karan Bhushan Singh is the Bharatiya Janata Party MP from the Kaiserganj Lok Sabha seat.
