Delhi court acquits ex-WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh, aide in wrestlers' sexual harassment case

A Delhi court acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar in a sexual harassment case filed by women wrestlers.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar acquitted Singh, a former BJP MP and Tomar in the case involving allegations made by six women wrestlers.

Speaking to reporters outside the court, Singh said he had been "honourably" acquitted and thanked his lawyers.

"On the first day, I had said that if any allegation against me was proved, I would hang myself. The court has now honourably acquitted me. I am happy and grateful to my lawyers," he said.

"For now, this is all I can say. I will comment further after going through the court's reasoned order," the former MP added.

Public prosecutor Manish Rawat said the prosecution would examine the detailed order before deciding on "appropriate action" before a higher court. The prosecution can challenge the verdict in the Delhi High Court.

The trial was conducted in-camera and the media was barred from the courtroom. A detailed order is awaited.

The court had on July 2 reserved its order for August 3 after final arguments were completed in the case.

In May 2024, a court had ordered the framing of a charge of criminal intimidation against Singh but discharged him in a complaint filed by one of the six women wrestlers.

The Delhi Police had filed a chargesheet against Singh, a six-time MP, on June 15 under sections 354, 354A, 354D and 506 of the Indian Penal Code, relating to assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty, sexual harassment, stalking and criminal intimidation.