Former WFI Chief Calls Verdict A ‘Day Of Relief’ After Delhi Court Clears Him
Hours after being acquitted in the alleged sexual harassment case filed by women wrestlers, former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh broke his silence, describing the verdict as a moment of relief for himself and his supporters.
Addressing reporters after the judgment, Singh thanked the court and his legal team while saying he would avoid making detailed comments until he had read the complete order.
Beginning his remarks with the Hindi verse, “Hoihi soi jo Ram rachi rakha” (What is destined by Lord Ram will happen), Singh said the verdict had brought an end to a long legal battle.
‘If Any Charge Was Proved, I Was Ready To Face The Consequences’
Recalling his stand from the beginning of the case, Brij Bhushan said he had always maintained that he was willing to accept the strictest consequences if any allegation against him was established in court.
“On the first day, when my first statement came, I had said that if any verdict or any charge is proven, I will hang myself. Today, the court acquitted me with honour. It is a matter of joy for me and my supporters… Today is a happy day,” Singh said.
He added that he would comment further only after studying the detailed judgment.
Delhi Court Acquits Brij Bhushan And Vinod Tomar
Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Monday acquitted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and former WFI Assistant Secretary Vinod Tomar in the case related to allegations made by several women wrestlers.
The verdict came after the completion of the trial and examination of evidence placed before the court. Owing to the nature of the allegations, the proceedings were conducted in camera.
Case Stemmed From 2023 Wrestlers’ Protest
The case originated in 2023 when several women wrestlers launched a high-profile protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, accusing Brij Bhushan of sexual harassment during his tenure as Wrestling Federation of India chief.
The protest drew nationwide attention and prompted Delhi Police to register an FIR before launching an investigation.
Following the probe, police filed a nearly 1,500-page chargesheet accusing Singh under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code relating to sexual harassment, assault, stalking and criminal intimidation. Vinod Tomar was also named as a co-accused.
Verdict Reserved After Completion Of Trial
The court had reserved its judgment after hearing final submissions from both the prosecution and defence. Statements of the investigating officer and members of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) were also recorded before the verdict was delivered.
With the acquittal, one of the country’s most closely watched sporting and legal controversies has reached a significant judicial milestone, although the detailed judgment is awaited.
