The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has acquitted former BJP MP and former President of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, in a sexual harassment case filed by six female wrestlers. The court delivered this verdict on Monday, August 3rd. The court also acquitted another accused, Vinod Tomar.
The trial in this case, involving allegations of sexual harassment of female athletes, had been ongoing since 2023. The trial has lasted approximately 1,133 days, with the court hearing 127 times.
This sexual harassment case began on January 18, 2023, when approximately 30 wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi against Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, the then President of the Wrestling Federation of India. These wrestlers leveled serious allegations of sexual harassment, stalking, and criminal intimidation against Singh. Later, on April 21, 2023, seven female wrestlers, including a minor, filed a complaint of sexual harassment against Brijbhushan Singh with the Delhi Police. Following this, the wrestlers approached the Supreme Court. The case was heard in the Supreme Court on May 4, 2023.
Rouse Avenue Court framed several charges against Brijbhushan
On June 7, a meeting was held between the wrestlers and the Union Sports Minister. On June 15, the Delhi Police filed a charge sheet against Brijbhushan Singh and Vinod Tomar, the then Assistant Secretary of the Wrestling Federation of India. In May 2024, the Rouse Avenue Court framed several charges against Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, including sexual harassment, outraging the modesty of a woman, and criminal intimidation, but Brijbhushan Sharan Singh refused to accept the charges.
In May 2025, Additional Sessions Judge Gomti Manocha of the Patiala House Court accepted the Delhi Police’s closure report in the POCSO case. On May 25, 2026, the testimony of the final prosecution witness was completed. A total of 32 witnesses were examined, while the prosecution removed nine witnesses. The statements of both accused were recorded on June 8, 2026. Final arguments began on June 9, and concluded on July 2. Subsequently, on August 3, 2026, the court delivered its verdict, acquitting Brijbhushan Singh.
Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, in his first reaction to the court’s decision, said that the court initially stated in its decision that Brijbhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar were acquitted. My reaction is that on the first day when my statement came, I had said that if a verdict was passed, I would voluntarily hang myself. Today, the court acquitted me, which is a matter of joy for me and my supporters.
When Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was asked about wrestler Vinesh Phogat, he said, “There’s no need to name anyone. Priyanka came to Jantar Mantar along with the wrestlers. The Aam Aadmi Party was arranging all the food and drinks. Was anyone left on the Left or Right? There were demands for my hanging. Now they should look within themselves.”
After the court’s decision, wrestler Bajrang Punia said, “Today’s decision makes it clear that they have all the power, they have everything. They broke the witnesses. We are now trying to find the detailed court order. We don’t understand on what basis she was acquitted.”