Delhi court has acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar in the sexual harassment case filed by six women wrestlers.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar ruled that there was insufficient evidence to convict the accused, bringing an end to one of India's most closely watched sports-related legal cases. The detailed judgment spans nearly 260 pages.

Vinesh Phogat Expresses Disappointment

World Championship medallist and Congress MLA Vinesh Phogat, one of the complainants, said she was "deeply saddened" by the verdict.

In a statement shared on social media, Phogat alleged that the administration and government had protected Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh from the beginning of the case. She also confirmed that the women wrestlers have instructed their legal team to challenge the acquittal before a higher court. According to Phogat, the wrestlers remain determined to continue their legal battle and have not lost hope.

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Brij Bhushan Welcomes the Verdict

Following the court's decision, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh welcomed the acquittal and reiterated that he had maintained his innocence since the allegations first emerged.

He described the judgment as good news for himself and his supporters.

Meanwhile, Wrestling Federation of India President Sanjay Singh also welcomed the verdict, stating that the allegations were baseless and claiming that Indian wrestling had suffered because of the controversy.

Background of the Case

The case gained national attention in 2023 when leading wrestlers, including Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, along with Vinesh Phogat, staged prolonged protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar demanding action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

The protests led to nationwide debate over athlete safety, governance in sports, and accountability within sports federations.

Delhi Police later registered multiple FIRs following intervention by the Supreme Court. During the trial, several witnesses testified, while two complainants reportedly turned hostile. A separate case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act had earlier been closed after the complainant withdrew the allegations.

Legal Challenge Expected

The prosecution has stated that it will study the detailed judgment before deciding its next legal steps. Lawyers representing the women wrestlers have also announced plans to file an appeal against the acquittal.

The case is expected to remain in the public spotlight as the legal process continues in higher courts.