Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh Acquitted in Sexual Harassment Case: First Response

After being acquitted by Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court in a sexual harassment case filed by female wrestlers, former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh shared his first comments on Monday. He described the court's decision as a moment of relief for himself and his supporters, reiterating his stance that he was prepared to face consequences if any charges were proven against him in court. Starting his remarks with the Hindi phrase, "होइहि सोइ जो राम रचि राखा" (What is meant to happen will happen, as determined by Lord Ram), Singh expressed gratitude to his legal team and mentioned that he would refrain from making detailed comments until he reviews the full court ruling.

The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi acquitted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar in a case linked to allegations made by several female wrestlers during Singh's tenure as WFI president. This ruling was delivered after the trial concluded and the court examined the evidence presented. Given the sensitive nature of the allegations, the proceedings were conducted 'in-camera' (behind closed doors).

The case dates back to 2023 when numerous female wrestlers staged a significant protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, accusing Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment during his presidency at WFI. This protest garnered nationwide attention and led to calls for criminal action against the former head of the wrestling body. Following the demonstrations, the Delhi police registered an FIR and initiated an investigation into the allegations.

After completing their investigation, the Delhi police filed a chargesheet on June 15, 2023, comprising nearly 1,500 pages. Singh faced charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 354, 354A, 354D, and 506(1), which pertain to sexual harassment, assault or use of criminal force against a woman, stalking, and criminal intimidation. Vinod Tomar was also named as a co-accused in this case.

Last month, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Ashwani Panwar reserved the judgment after hearing detailed arguments from both the prosecution and defense. The date for delivering the verdict was set for August 3. During the final hearing, senior lawyer Rebecca John represented the complainants, while the defense team, led by lawyer Rajiv Mohan with assistance from Rehan Khan and Rishabh Bhati, concluded their arguments on June 30. The court also instructed both parties to submit their written arguments within two weeks.

As part of the trial proceedings, the court recorded the testimony of a member of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the investigating officer. The prosecution's case was based on allegations made by female wrestlers from India and abroad, who accused Singh of sexual harassment during his time as the head of the Wrestling Federation of India.