1 month ago
Brij Bhushan Acquitted, Sparks Political Outrage
A court in Delhi said that Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who used to run the Wrestling Federation of India, was not guilty of hurting six women wrestlers.
The wrestlers had said he had harassed them.
Some politicians, especially from the Congress party, were very upset and said the ruling party was protecting its own people.
Brij Bhushan said the decision was a win for young players and that even famous athletes can lie.
The wrestlers and some activists want stronger rules to keep athletes safe.
The case started after the wrestlers protested at a big public place in Delhi.
The court said it could not prove the accusations, so it cleared Singh and the other accused.
Delhi court acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar in a sexual harassment case filed by six women wrestlers.
Opposition leaders, including Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal, condemned the verdict, accusing the BJP of protecting its leaders and undermining women's empowerment.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a BJP leader, welcomed the acquittal, claiming it proved that even Olympians can lie and that the case was a political conspiracy.
Women wrestlers and civil society groups demanded stronger implementation of the POSH Act in sports and protection for athletes who raise complaints.
The case stemmed from protests by wrestlers such as Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, who accused Singh of sexual exploitation and intimidation.
- Who
- Former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, six women wrestlers, opposition leaders
- What
- Delhi court acquitted Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar in a sexual harassment case
- Where
- Delhi Court, India
- When
- August 3, 2024
- Why
- Court found insufficient evidence to prove the allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation
Key facts
- Acquitted Person
- Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh
- Co-accused
- Vinod Tomar
- Accusers
- Six women wrestlers
- Court
- Delhi Court
- Date of Verdict
- August 3, 2024
- Charges
- Sexual harassment, intimidation, stalking, assault
- Political Parties Involved
- BJP, Congress
Quotes
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh
Former Wrestling Federation of India President and BJP leader
“It is our misfortune that a deaf, mute and blind government sits in power. The true face of the BJP is unfortunately right before all of us. As a citizen of India, I am deeply hurt by this decision, and I stand firmly with all our sisters and athletes. Instead of justice, the perpetrator has been given a medal of acquittal around his neck. This country will never forgive you.”
telegraphindia.com
“"See the irony; on one hand the Commonwealth Games are going on, and on the other hand, the honour of the athletes who raised our respect at the international level in the same competition was attacked. But the one who attacked that honour was given a medal of acquittal, a gold medal hung around his neck."”
theprint.in
Rebecca M. John
Senior advocate representing four of the six women wrestlers
“Deeply, deeply disturbing.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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