Full Breakdown
Former Indian Wrestling Federation Chief Acquitted After Three-Year Legal Battle
8/3/2026, 8:15:21 PM
Core Event: Court Acquits Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh
On August 3, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate at New Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court discharged former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of all sexual-harassment and stalking charges. The verdict followed a trial that began after Delhi police filed a chargesheet in 2023. Singh, a 69-year-old former Member of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was found not guilty after the court cited “inconsistencies” in witness statements and “contradictions on major issues.”
Background & Context
In early 2023, six prominent female wrestlers—including world-champion Vinesh Phogat and Olympic bronze-medallist Sakshi Malik—staged weeks-long sit-in protests in New Delhi demanding Singh’s removal as WFI head. They alleged that Singh had groped them and demanded sexual favours while he headed the federation. The protests intensified after police detained athletes attempting to march to Parliament, a scene that went viral on social media.
The BJP denied any political interference, noting that Singh completed his parliamentary term in 2024 and was not renominated; his son contested and won the same constituency.
Timeline
- May 10 2024 – Charges against Singh were formally framed under the Indian Penal Code.
- 2023 – Protests by female wrestlers, detention of athletes, and public outcry.
- August 3 – Court acquits Singh and former assistant secretary Vinod Tomar.
Data & Statistics
- Six female wrestlers filed the criminal complaint.
- Five wrestlers are named in some reports as the direct accusers.
- The case involved charges of sexual harassment and the crime of outraging modesty.
Official Statements & Responses
His lawyer, Rajiv Mohan, described the acquittal as “honourable,” emphasizing the court’s finding of witness-statement inconsistencies. Supporters celebrated outside the courthouse with firecrackers, flower petals and traditional sweets.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I had complete faith that justice would be done … justice was done,” — Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh
- “We had to gather a lot of courage to take to the streets and get an FIR registered against a powerful politician of the ruling party,” — Vinesh Phogat
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of complainants: some cite six wrestlers filing the case, while others refer to five specific accusers. No public record has clarified which figure is definitive. Detailed forensic or medical evidence presented at trial has not been disclosed in the available reports.
What’s Next
The wrestlers’ legal team has instructed counsel to file an appeal “as soon as possible.” The appellate process will review the trial court’s assessment of witness credibility and the application of evidentiary standards under the IPC.
