A Delhi court recently acquitted former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a sexual harassment case filed by several women wrestlers. The case was brought against Singh and another individual, Vinod Tomar, following allegations of misconduct involving multiple female grapplers, including a minor.
The complainants, prominent wrestlers like Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sangeeta Phogat, had protested for weeks in 2023, demanding Singh’s arrest. They accused him of harassment that allegedly occurred between 2016 and 2019 at the WFI office, his official residence, and during international trips.
The court’s judgment was delivered by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar. The case gained attention after the Sports Ministry formed an oversight committee to investigate internally following prolonged protests. In May 2023, the Supreme Court intervened, leading to a police FIR against Singh. A detailed 1,000-page chargesheet was filed later that year.
Singh challenged the trial court’s framing of charges in the High Court, arguing he was falsely accused and no crime had been committed. He alleged the investigation was biased, claiming only the victims’ accounts were considered, despite their alleged motive for revenge.
Last year, a Delhi Court dismissed a similar sexual harassment case involving a minor wrestler, citing lack of corroborative evidence. The police recommended dropping the complaint, stating no supporting proof was found.