• Source:JND

Following the acquittal of Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar in the sexual harassment case involving women wrestlers, Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat said the legal battle will continue, and an appeal will be filed in a higher court.

In a joint X post, the three-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist, along with Olympic Medalist wrestler Bajrang Punia, reacted to the verdict on social media, expressing disappointment and alleging that the wrestlers faced pressure during their fight for justice.

"We had fought hard to protest on the streets and file an FIR against Brij Bhushan Saran Singh. Using his power and influence, Brij Bhushan had forced many girls to withdraw their names from the case," the post read.

"But many female wrestlers stood their ground, and kept fighting against Brij Bhushan in the court. We are very sad that the court has acquitted Brij Bhushan in the sexual harassment case against the female wrestlers," it added.

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Vinesh further claimed that the system had attempted to protect Singh and said the complainants would continue their legal fight. "From the start, the whole system was trying to save him. The female wrestlers have asked their lawyers to appeal the verdict, and it will be filed soon," the Olympic wrestlers said.

"We have not lost hope; wrestlers will continue their fight," the post added.

Her statement came shortly after the Rouse Avenue Court acquitted Singh and Tomar in the case that began after allegations by women wrestlers in 2023.

The case stemmed from allegations from six women wrestlers, who alleged sexual harassment by Singh during his tenure as the WFI chairman. The Delhi Police had registered an FIR and started an investigation on the matter after the wrestlers protested at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

Following the completion of the probe, a nearly 1,500-page chargesheet was filed by the Delhi Police on June 15, 2023, under various sections including 354 (Assault or criminal force to outrage modesty), 354A (Sexual harassment), 354D (Stalking) and 506 (1) (Criminal intimidation) of IPC. Co-accused Vinod Tomar was also named in the case.

The case had also included allegations by a minor wrestler under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. However, after the complainant withdrew her allegations, Delhi Police filed a cancellation report, leading to the closure of that case.

ALSO READ: 'I Am One Of Six Victims': Vinesh Phogat Makes Shocking Revelation In Brij Bhushan Case Ahead Of Wrestling Comeback

Following his acquittal, Brij Bhushan Singh welcomed the court’s decision and called it a moment of happiness for him and his supporters. 

“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 happiness for me and my supporters... Today is a happy day," ANI quoted Singh.


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