‘We Have Not Lost Hope’: Vinesh Phogat Says Wrestlers Will Challenge Brij Bhushan Acquittal

New Delhi, August 3: World Championships medallist Vinesh Phogat on Monday said the women wrestlers who accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment will appeal against his acquittal, while alleging that the “entire state machinery, the government, and the system” had worked to protect him throughout the case.

A Delhi court on Monday acquitted Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar, former WFI assistant secretary, in the sexual harassment case filed by six women wrestlers.
Reacting to the verdict, Phogat said the wrestlers had instructed their lawyers to challenge the decision in a higher court.

“We are deeply saddened that the court did not find Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh guilty of the sexual harassment allegations brought by the women wrestlers,” Phogat said in a statement posted on X.

“The women wrestlers have instructed their lawyers to appeal against this verdict, and the appeal will be filed as soon as possible. We have not lost hope, and the wrestlers will continue their fight,” she added. Phogat also alleged that the former BJP MP had been protected by the authorities from the outset.

“From the very beginning, the entire state machinery, the government, and the system have been working to protect Brij Bhushan,” she said.

The case stems from complaints filed by six women wrestlers, following which the Delhi Police registered an FIR against Singh on June 15, 2023. The police subsequently filed a chargesheet against the former WFI chief under provisions of the Indian Penal Code relating to assault or criminal force against a woman, sexual harassment, stalking and criminal intimidation.

Phogat, along with Olympic medallists Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, had been among the prominent faces of the 36-day protest against Singh at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar in April-May 2023. Phogat alleged that Singh had used his political influence to pressure some women wrestlers into withdrawing their complaints.

“We had to muster a great deal of courage to take to the streets and get an FIR registered against a powerful leader of the ruling party,” she said.

“Using the influence of the government and his own political clout, Brij Bhushan intimidated several girls into withdrawing their names from the case. Yet, several women wrestlers stood firm and continued fighting against Brij Bhushan in court,” she added.
Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar acquitted Singh and Tomar after the completion of arguments in the case.

Speaking outside the court, Singh said he had been “honourably” acquitted and thanked his legal team. “On the first day, I had said that if any allegation against me was proved, I would hang myself. The court has now honourably acquitted me. I am happy and grateful to my lawyers,” Singh said.

He added that he would comment further after examining the court’s detailed order. Public prosecutor Manish Rawat said the prosecution would examine the order and take “appropriate action” before the higher courts. The verdict can be challenged before the Delhi High Court.

The case involving a minor wrestler had earlier been closed after a Delhi court accepted the police’s cancellation report in the POCSO matter.