3 weeks ago
Brij Bhushan Acquitted, Gets Grand Gonda Welcome, Calls Allegations Political
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh used to be the boss of wrestling in India and was also an important political leader.
Some women wrestlers said he behaved badly with them and made them feel uncomfortable.
They protested for 36 days in Delhi to ask for help.
A court in Delhi decided that he did not do those things.
He said the complaints were not true and were made because of politics.
He said he never pulled anyone's sari, though his hand may have touched them while putting medals around their necks.
When he went back to his hometown Gonda, many people welcomed him with flower petals, drums, music, and fireworks.
He said he could have stopped the trouble by saying sorry, but he chose not to because he wanted to protect his good name.
The wrestlers were sad about the decision and said they will ask a higher court to look at the case again.
He may run for a big election again in 2029.
A Delhi court at Rouse Avenue acquitted former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar in the sexual harassment case filed by six women wrestlers.
Singh called the allegations politically motivated, saying the controversy was limited to 'good touch' and 'bad touch' while he put medals around wrestlers' necks.
He received a grand homecoming in Gonda, his first visit since the acquittal, with flower petals showered by excavators, 'Sher Aaya' chants, and fireworks.
The allegations date to April-May 2023, when a 36-day sit-in at Delhi's Jantar Mantar was led by Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia.
Vinesh Phogat said the wrestlers have instructed their lawyers to appeal the acquittal, while Singh has indicated he may contest the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
- Who
- Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, 69, former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and former BJP Lok Sabha MP from Gonda's Kaisarganj seat, was acquitted; the six women wrestler accusers include Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia.
- What
- A Delhi court acquitted Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar of sexual harassment charges; Singh called the allegations politically motivated and was honoured at a 'Satyamev Jayate' rally in Gonda.
- Where
- Delhi (Rouse Avenue court verdict and Jantar Mantar protest), and Gonda and Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.
- When
- The Delhi court verdict was delivered on Monday, and the Gonda homecoming rally took place on Thursday, August 6; the allegations surfaced in April-May 2023.
- Why
- Singh says the allegations were politically motivated; the wrestlers say he sexually harassed them and have instructed their lawyers to appeal the acquittal.
Women Wrestlers
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh
Nature of allegations
Women Wrestlers
Six women wrestlers accused Singh of sexually harassing them, and they have instructed their lawyers to appeal the acquittal.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh
Singh denies wrongdoing, saying the allegations were politically motivated and limited to 'good touch' and 'bad touch' while putting medals around wrestlers' necks.
Motivation for the case
Women Wrestlers
The wrestlers' 36-day sit-in at Jantar Mantar was a genuine protest for justice over alleged harassment.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh
Singh says the agitation was unprecedented and politically orchestrated, claiming no such movement anywhere, even against US President Donald Trump, reached such a scale.
Response to the acquittal
Women Wrestlers
Phogat said the wrestlers would appeal the decision as soon as possible, believing the matter was not over.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh
Singh said he chose not to end the controversy by yielding to pressure because doing so would have 'assassinated' his character.
Key facts
- Subject
- Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, former WFI chief and former BJP Lok Sabha MP
- Allegations
- Sexual harassment by six women wrestlers
- Court decision
- Acquitted by a Delhi court at Rouse Avenue; co-accused Vinod Tomar also acquitted
- Wrestlers' response
- Vinesh Phogat said lawyers will appeal the decision as soon as possible
- Protest background
- 36-day sit-in at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, in April-May 2023
- Homecoming
- Grand welcome in Gonda with 'Satyamev Jayate' rally, community feast, and fireworks
- Age
- 69
- Political plans
- Indicated intention to contest the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, possibly as an Independent
Quotes
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh
Former WFI chief and BJP leader from Gonda
“"I did not pull anyone’s sari. There may have been physical contact while putting medals around the wrestlers’ necks, which created a storm. The allegations against me were politically motivated."”
theprint.in
livemint.com
“"Upon reaching Hanumangarhi Temple (Ayodhya Dham), we had darshan and performed worship of Lord Bajrangbali Maharaj and received His divine blessings..! Jai Bajrang Bali."”
livemint.com
Sources
Related news
Brij Bhushan Receives Rousing Welcome After Sexual Harassment Acquittal
Delhi Court Acquits Brij Bhushan Singh, Calls Harassment Case Fabricated
Acquitted Brij Bhushan Singh set for BJP political return
Delhi court acquits ex-WFI chief Brij Bhushan in harassment case
Indian Boxers Win Commonwealth Gold While Cricket Dominates Sports Money
Brij Bhushan Acquitted, Sparks Political Outrage
