Brij Bhushan acquitted: Delhi Court clears ex-WFI chief in high-profile wrestlers' sexual harassment case
New Delhi/IBNS: Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and ex-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has been acquitted in the sexual harassment case filed by women wrestlers, according to media reports.
Brij Bhushan and co-accused Vinod Tomar were cleared of all charges by Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court.
#WATCH | Delhi | After being acquited by the Delhi rouse Avenue Court in the Women wrestlers alleged sexual harassment case, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh says, "होइहि सोइ जो राम रचि राखा। (What is meant to be will be, as destined by Lord Ram)." https://t.co/6O1R8HjBeD pic.twitter.com/pL4Ptu41Na
— ANI (@ANI) August 3, 2026
Timeline of the case
In January 2023, several prominent women wrestlers, including Olympic medallists and World Championship winners, publicly accused Brij Bhushan of sexual harassment and intimidation during his tenure as WFI president.
Between April and May 2023, wrestlers including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia staged protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, demanding Brij Bhushan's arrest and the dissolution of the WFI. The protests drew nationwide and international attention.
Following the intervention of the Supreme Court in April 2023, the Delhi Police registered FIRs against Brij Bhushan.
Allegations
Six adult women wrestlers accused Brij Bhushan of:
- Sexual harassment
- Inappropriate physical contact
- Unwanted advances
- Criminal intimidation
- Stalking (in some complaints)
A separate FIR was also registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act based on allegations made by a minor wrestler.
Investigation
In June 2023, the Delhi Police filed a chargesheet against Brij Bhushan in the case involving the six adult wrestlers. The charges included:
- Sexual harassment
- Assault or use of criminal force with intent to outrage a woman's modesty
- Criminal intimidation
- Stalking (in certain complaints)
Former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar was also named as a co-accused in parts of the case.
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