Tue, August 04, 2026
Former head of the Wrestling Federation of India and MP acquitted of sexual harassment charges filed by seven female wrestlers
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, former head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP, has been acquitted of sexual harassment charges filed by seven female wrestlers after three years. This ruling was determined by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ashwini Panwar, of the Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi.
Back in 2023, several of India’s top female wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, accused Singh of sexual harassment.
The wrestlers protested for the WFI to be disbanded entirely. The protests settled when the government expressed that it would deploy an oversight committee to investigate. However, the wrestlers grew discontented with the lack of progress.
Altogether, seven female wrestlers, which included one minor, filed individual complaints. They claimed that “all the female athletes used to travel in groups whenever they left their respective rooms to avoid meeting the accused alone.” However, reportedly, the Delhi Police did not immediately register an FIR, or First Information Report, which is an official written document prepared by the police in India when they receive information about a serious crime. It marks the very first step that allows the police to start a formal investigation.
This triggered the wrestlers to take the case to the Supreme Court of India and participate in a sit-in protest where law enforcement proceeded to attack and arrest the participants. The same situation occurred when protesters attempted to disrupt the opening of the new parliament building in India. The way the wrestlers were handled by law enforcement drew condemnation from the International Olympic Committee. The wrestlers also planned to “immerse” their medals in the Ganges River during the protest but were later convinced not to.
Abhinav Bindra, former Olympic shooter, first and one of only two Indians to win an individual Olympic gold medal, expressed support, voicing: “Last night was sleepless, haunted by the horrifying images of my fellow Indian wrestlers protesting. It's high time we establish independent safeguarding measures across sporting organizations. We must ensure that if such situations arise, they are dealt with utmost sensitivity and respect. Every athlete deserves a safe and empowering environment.”
Eventually, a chargesheet was filed against Singh and his assistant Vinod Tomar. However, both have now been acquitted, with the court ruling that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
Singh stated: “The court has acquitted me with honour. It is a matter of happiness for me and my supporters...Today is a happy day. What is meant to be will be, as destined by Lord Ram [deity in Hinduism].”
Supporters of the former wrestling chief were reportedly bursting crackers, throwing flower petals and chanting “Zindabad,” which translates to “long live.” Current WFI President, Sanjay Singh, reacted to the news by stating “everyone is in a great mood and really happy.”
“I said on the very first day that if the allegations are true, I will hang myself. I am very happy that I have been acquitted today. I cannot say anything more than that,” Singh said.
Punia and Phogat jointly voiced: “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.”
Phogat has since claimed that “the entire state machinery, the government, and the system have been working to protect Brij Bhushan,” and the prosecution will appeal.
