Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia to Appeal Acquittal of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

Wrestlers Continue Their Fight for Justice

On August 3, in New Delhi, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia announced their intention to appeal the acquittal of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), who faced allegations of sexual harassment from female wrestlers. The Rouse Avenue Court's decision to acquit Singh and Vinod Tomar has not deterred the wrestlers, who remain resolute in their pursuit of justice.

In a statement shared on X, Phogat and Punia emphasized the bravery it took for the women to come forward and file a police report against a powerful political figure. They expressed their disappointment with the court's ruling, highlighting that many female wrestlers had steadfastly continued their legal battle.

The wrestlers criticized the systemic protection afforded to Singh, asserting that the government and legal system have been complicit in shielding him from accountability. They confirmed that the women involved have directed their legal representatives to file an appeal against the court's decision promptly.

This case stems from an FIR lodged by female wrestlers during Singh's tenure as WFI chief, with the Delhi Police invoking multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to sexual offenses. The court proceedings were held in a closed setting, and the detailed judgment is expected to be released soon.

The wrestlers had previously staged protests at Jantar Mantar, demanding justice and accountability. Following an extensive investigation, the Delhi Police submitted a comprehensive charge sheet against Singh and Tomar, detailing the allegations made by the complainants.