Former WFI chief Brij Bhushan acquitted in sexual harassment case filed by women wrestlers

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Monday acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar in the sexual harassment case filed by women wrestlers. The court acquitted both after holding that the prosecution had failed to prove the allegations against them.

Reacting to the verdict, Brij Bhushan said the court had cleared his name. "On the first day, when my first statement came, I had said that if any verdict or any charge is proven, I will hang myself. Today, the court acquitted me with honour. It is a matter of joy for me and my supporters... Today is a happy day," he told reporters.

The case was based on complaints filed by six women wrestlers, who accused Brij Bhushan of sexual harassment. Delhi Police had initially refused to register an FIR but filed the case in 2023 after protests by some of India's top wrestlers in the national capital. Vinod Tomar, the former assistant secretary of the Wrestling Federation, was also charged with abetment. Both had earlier been granted bail.

According to the complaints, the alleged incidents took place between 2016 and 2019 at the Wrestling Federation office, Brij Bhushan's official residence and during overseas trips. The defence had denied all the allegations, claiming the case was fabricated.