Vinesh Phogat and Fellow Wrestlers Plan Appeal After Court Acquits Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

Vinesh Phogat, a prominent wrestler, has announced that she and other female wrestlers will appeal a Delhi court's decision to acquit Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment charges. The wrestlers expressed their disappointment over the ruling and emphasized their determination to continue fighting for justice. Phogat accused Singh of using his political influence to intimidate victims into withdrawing their complaints. The case has drawn significant attention, especially following the wrestlers' protests earlier this year. As they prepare to challenge the court's decision, the wrestlers remain hopeful in their pursuit of accountability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 3, 2026, 14:42 IST

Wrestlers Respond to Court's Acquittal Decision

New Delhi: Vinesh Phogat, a medalist at the World Championships, announced on Monday that the female wrestlers who accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment intend to appeal the recent acquittal by a Delhi court.

The court's ruling on Monday cleared Singh and his co-defendant Vinod Tomar of the charges brought forth by the wrestlers.

Phogat expressed her disappointment on social media platform 'X', stating, "From the outset, the entire system, including the administration and government, has been focused on shielding Brij Bhushan."

She added, "It is disheartening that the court did not hold Singh accountable for the allegations of sexual violence made by the wrestlers."

Phogat confirmed that the wrestlers have directed their legal team to file an appeal promptly, emphasizing their determination to continue the fight.

The acquittal was issued by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar.

Phogat, along with fellow wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, was a prominent figure in the 36-day protest held at Delhi's Jantar Mantar against Singh earlier this year.

Punia echoed Phogat's sentiments in a similar post on his 'X' account.

Phogat further accused Singh of coercing several women into retracting their statements.

She remarked, "It took immense courage for us to step forward and file a complaint against a powerful political figure. Brij Bhushan used his influence to intimidate many into withdrawing their allegations."

Despite the challenges, she noted that numerous women wrestlers remained resolute in their pursuit of justice.

Following complaints from six wrestlers, the Delhi police initiated an FIR against Singh on June 15, 2023.

The police subsequently filed a chargesheet against Singh, a six-time MP, citing various sections of the Indian Penal Code related to assault and intimidation.

One of the complainants, a minor, later chose to withdraw her allegations.

In May of the previous year, a Delhi court accepted the police's cancellation report, effectively closing the POCSO case involving the minor.

After concluding final arguments, the court reserved its order for August 3.

Outside the court, Singh claimed that the court had "honorably" acquitted him and Tomar.

He stated, "I had previously declared that if any allegations against me were substantiated, I would take my own life. The court's decision has vindicated me, and I am thankful to my legal team."

Singh mentioned he would provide further comments after reviewing the court's detailed reasoning.

Meanwhile, public prosecutor Manish Rawat indicated that a thorough examination of the ruling would lead to "appropriate action" in higher courts.

The prosecution retains the option to contest the magisterial court's decision in the Delhi High Court.