Wrestling Federation Case – Delhi Court Acquits Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in Women Wrestlers’ Complaint
Wrestling Federation Case – Legal proceedings update and court verdict on the Wrestling Federation case – A Delhi court on Monday cleared former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of all charges in the sexual harassment case brought by six women wrestlers.
Court Delivers Verdict After Hearing All Parties
The judgment was delivered by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar at the Rouse Avenue Courts following detailed submissions from the prosecution, the complainants, and the defence. Co-accused Vinod Tomar was also acquitted in the same case. The proceedings were conducted in camera because of the nature of the allegations. Following the decision, the defence described the ruling as an honourable acquittal.
Case Originated From Complaints by Women Wrestlers
The case began after six women wrestlers accused Singh of sexual harassment. Acting on their complaints, the Delhi Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) and initiated an investigation. The allegations related to incidents that the complainants claimed occurred over multiple years while Singh headed the Wrestling Federation of India.
Charges Filed During the Investigation
On June 15, 2023, Delhi Police submitted a chargesheet against Singh under several provisions of the Indian Penal Code. These included Section 354 for assault or criminal force with intent to outrage the modesty of a woman, Section 354A dealing with sexual harassment, Section 354D concerning stalking, and Section 506(1) related to criminal intimidation. Vinod Tomar was additionally booked under Section 109 of the IPC for alleged abetment.
Trial Court Had Framed Charges in 2024
During an earlier stage of the proceedings on May 10, 2024, the trial court framed charges against Singh in connection with the complaints made by five of the six women wrestlers. However, the court discharged him in relation to the allegations raised by the sixth complainant. In Tomar’s case, the court framed charges only under Section 506(1) concerning alleged criminal intimidation linked to one complainant, while dismissing the remaining accusations against him.
Defence Arguments and Bail During Trial
Before the trial concluded, Singh had approached the court seeking further investigation and permission to submit additional arguments regarding the framing of charges. He maintained that he was not present in India on the dates when some of the alleged incidents were said to have taken place. The court did not accept that request. Throughout the trial, both Singh and Tomar remained out on bail as the legal proceedings continued.
Separate POCSO Matter Also Saw Police Report
Apart from this case, Delhi Police had earlier submitted a cancellation report in a separate case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. That matter arose from allegations made by a minor wrestler against Singh. The cancellation report was filed independently of the case involving the six adult complainants.
Allegations Covered Multiple Locations and Years
According to the complaints filed by the women wrestlers, the alleged incidents occurred between 2016 and 2019. They claimed the incidents took place at the Wrestling Federation of India office, Singh’s official residence, and during overseas tours connected with wrestling events. With Monday’s verdict, the trial in the case has concluded with the acquittal of both Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar.