Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, head of the Wrestling Federation of India and a sitting member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP, arrived at a political rally in Colonelgunj, Uttar Pradesh, on June 11, 2023. Supporters greeted him by showering flower petals. Vinesh Phogat announced plans to appeal the court’s decision in a higher court, stating her intention to continue the fight. An aide close to Singh mentioned that the court identified contradictions in the major issues presented.
A New Delhi court cleared Singh of charges related to sexual harassment and stalking, which had been brought by several athletes who had previously won medals. Singh, 69, a former politician affiliated with the BJP, faced accusations from some women wrestlers claiming groping and demands for sexual favors—a charge he denied. The case sparked weeks of protests led by prominent wrestlers, including World Championship winner Vinesh Phogat and Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik, demanding Singh’s removal from his federation role.
Singh’s lawyer, Rajiv Mohan, confirmed that his client was “honorably acquitted” after the court found discrepancies and contradictions in witness testimonies and evidence. Following the verdict, Singh’s supporters celebrated, setting off firecrackers and tossing flowers while chanting slogans. Singh expressed relief, stating, “I had said that I would hang myself if I was found guilty. Today, I am walking free after being honored with acquittal.”
Despite the court’s decision, Phogat declared that they would file an appeal in a higher court and continue their efforts against Singh. She highlighted the courage it took for athletes to protest and file complaints against a powerful leader within the ruling party. Earlier in 2023, Delhi police had formally charged Singh with sexual harassment and stalking after persistent pressure from protesting athletes, whose demonstrations gained widespread public attention. Many prominent wrestlers camped out at protest sites in Delhi, accusing authorities of neglecting their complaints. As wrestling remains immensely popular in northern India, images of Phogat and other athletes being detained during the protests circulated widely on social media platforms.




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