An Indian court has acquitted the former head of India's wrestling federation of sexual harassment and stalking charges. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a former lawmaker from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was the subject of the legal proceedings.
Singh denied allegations that he groped wrestlers and demanded sexual favors.
The allegations against Singh triggered months of protests in New Delhi in 2023. These demonstrations were led by athletes including Vinesh Phogat, Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik, and Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia. As a result of the protests, Sakshi Malik retired from wrestling, and Bajrang Punia returned one of India's highest civilian honors.
Legal proceedings and reactions
Singh's lawyer, Rajiv Mohan, said the New Delhi court found 'inconsistencies' in witness statements and 'contradictions on major issues.' Singh told reporters, 'I had complete faith that justice would be done. I never considered myself a criminal at all.'
Leading female wrestler Vinesh Phogat said the women would challenge the ruling in a higher court and continue their legal fight. Writing on X, Phogat stated it 'took a great deal of courage for us to take to the streets and get a complaint registered against a powerful leader of the ruling party.'
Political context
Singh completed his parliamentary term in 2024 and was not selected to run again.
