A Delhi court on Monday acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the high-profile sexual harassment case filed by six women wrestlers. Former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar, who was also an accused in the case, was acquitted alongside Singh. The verdict brings an end to one of the most closely watched legal battles in Indian sports in recent years.
The case originated in 2023 after several women wrestlers accused Singh of sexual harassment during his tenure as WFI chief. The allegations triggered nationwide protests led by some of India’s top wrestlers, including Olympic and World Championship medalists, and sparked widespread debate over athlete safety, governance in sports, and accountability within sporting bodies.
Delhi Police had filed a chargesheet against Singh under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including sexual harassment, assault or criminal force intended to outrage a woman’s modesty, stalking, and criminal intimidation. The trial was conducted in camera to protect the identities of the complainants, with dozens of witnesses examined over the course of the proceedings.
After hearing final arguments from both the prosecution and the defence, the Rouse Avenue Court reserved its judgment last month before delivering the verdict on August 3. The court ultimately acquitted both Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar of all charges in the case.
Following the verdict, Singh welcomed the court’s decision, maintaining that he had always been innocent. Speaking to the media, he described the allegations as part of a conspiracy against him and expressed faith in the judicial process throughout the trial.
The acquittal marks the conclusion of a case that significantly impacted Indian wrestling, leading to months of protests, administrative changes within the Wrestling Federation of India, and intense public scrutiny. While the legal proceedings have now concluded with the acquittal, the case remains one of the most significant chapters in recent Indian sports history.
