Wrestlers to appeal Delhi court’s decision, says Vinesh Phogat
Olympian Vinesh Phogat has reacted to the acquittal of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the sexual harassment case, announcing that the women wrestlers will challenge the Delhi court’s verdict. She said the complainants have instructed their legal team to file an appeal and made it clear that their fight is far from over.
Sharing her response on social media platform X, Vinesh said the wrestlers remain determined to pursue legal remedies despite the setback.
“The female wrestlers have instructed their lawyers to appeal against this verdict, and this will be done as soon as possible. We have not lost hope, and the wrestlers will continue their fight,” Vinesh Phogat said.
The statement was also shared by fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia.
Verdict sparks fresh response from complainants
The reaction comes shortly after a Delhi court acquitted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the case filed by six women wrestlers, ruling that the prosecution had failed to establish the charges beyond the required legal standard.
The case had drawn nationwide attention in 2023 when several women wrestlers staged protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, accusing the then WFI president of sexual harassment and misconduct. Following the demonstrations, Delhi Police registered an FIR and later filed a chargesheet accusing Singh of offences including sexual harassment, assault and criminal intimidation.
Vinesh alleges system protected former WFI chief
In her statement, Vinesh expressed disappointment over the verdict and alleged that influential forces had worked to protect Brij Bhushan throughout the proceedings.
“We had to summon a great deal of courage to take to the streets and get an FIR registered against a strongman leader of the ruling party. Leveraging his political power and muscle, Brij Bhushan has intimidated many girls into withdrawing their complaints,” she said.
She further added, “However, many female wrestlers stood firm and continued the legal battle against Brij Bhushan. We are deeply saddened that the court did not find Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh guilty of the allegations of sexual violence levelled by the female wrestlers.”
Vinesh also claimed that the government and the system had backed the former WFI chief from the beginning of the case.
“From the very beginning, the entire establishment, the government, and the system have been working to shield Brij Bhushan,” she alleged.
Appeal to be filed soon
Despite the acquittal, Vinesh maintained that the legal battle is not over. According to her, the complainants have decided to challenge the judgment before a higher court, expressing confidence that they will continue seeking justice through the legal process.
