A Delhi court on Monday acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar in the alleged sexual harassment case filed by a group of women wrestlers.
The order was pronounced by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Ashwini Panwar of the Rouse Avenue Court. The court on July 2 had reserved the order for August 3 after completion of the final arguments.
Speaking to reporters outside the court, Singh, a former BJP MP, said the court had "honourably" acquitted him and Tomar.
"On the first day, I had said that if any allegation against me was proved, I would hang myself. The court has now honourably acquitted me. I am happy and grateful to my lawyers," he said.
Delhi Police had registered an FIR against Singh based on complaints filed by six women wrestlers. In June 2023, the police filed a chargesheet against Singh for offences under Sections 354 (assault or criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (sexually coloured remarks), 354D (stalking), and 506(1) (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
In May 2024, the trial court framed charges against Singh for alleged sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of women.
The allegations had triggered a major protest by wrestlers, including some of India’s top athletes, who had demanded action against Singh and his removal from the wrestling federation.
Further details are awaited.
