India wrestler Vinesh Phogat has hit out at the acquittal of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the sexual harassment case, saying the women wrestlers will not give up and will appeal against the Delhi court’s verdict.
The verdict brought to a close, for now, one of the most closely watched legal battles in Indian sport, nearly three years after protests by India’s top wrestlers rocked the country. In a statement posted on social media on Monday, Vinesh alleged that the “entire system” had worked to shield Brij Bhushan and vowed to continue the legal battle.
“It took a great deal of courage for us to take to the streets and get an FIR registered against a powerful leader of the ruling party. Using his political influence and muscle power, Brij Bhushan intimidated several women into withdrawing their complaints.
“But many women wrestlers stood firm and continued to fight the legal battle against Brij Bhushan in court. We are deeply disappointed that the court did not find Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh guilty of the allegations of sexual harassment made by the women wrestlers.”
Vinesh also accused the establishment of protecting the former WFI chief throughout the proceedings.
“From the very beginning, the entire system, the government, and the establishment have been working to protect Brij Bhushan.”
‘WE HAVE NOT LOST HOPE’
The Olympian confirmed that the complainants had already instructed their legal team to challenge the acquittal before a higher court.
“The women wrestlers have instructed their lawyers to appeal against this verdict, and the appeal will be filed at the earliest. We have not lost hope, and the wrestlers will continue their fight.”
The acquittal came months after Vinesh publicly revealed that she was one of the six complainants in the case. She had earlier said she chose not to disclose her identity while the trial was underway, citing Supreme Court guidelines protecting the identity of sexual harassment survivors.
CASE THAT SHOOK INDIAN SPORT
The case, which began in 2023, sparked months of protests led by Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, who demanded Brij Bhushan’s arrest and his removal as WFI chief.
Following Monday’s verdict, Brij Bhushan reiterated that he had maintained his innocence from the beginning and welcomed the acquittal.
“I said on the very first day that if the allegations are true, I will hang myself. I am very happy that I have been acquitted today. It is good news for me and good news for my supporters. I cannot say anything more than that,” he said.
The complainants are now expected to move a higher court, ensuring that one of the biggest legal battles in Indian sport is set to continue.
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