New Delhi: Disappointed with a Delhi court’s verdict acquitting Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the sexual harassment case, Vinesh Phogat said that she and the other wrestlers will continue their fight for justice against the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president.
Six women, including Vinesh, accused BJP leader Brij Bhushan of sexually harassing wrestlers during his tenure as WFI chief.
The allegations triggered widespread protests in 2023, as people from all walks of life supported Olympic medallists and top wrestlers who sat for days on end at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding the arrest of Brij Bhushan – who denied all allegations — and his removal from the WFI.
Delhi Police filed an FIR against Brij Bhushan and Vinod Tomar following the Supreme Court’s intervention.
Taking to X after Brij Bhushan’s acquittal, Phogat expressed disappointment over the development,
“We had to muster a great deal of courage to take to the streets and get an FIR registered against a powerful leader of the ruling party. Using the power of the government and his political influence, Brij Bhushan managed to intimidate several girls into withdrawing their names from the complaint,” Vinesh wrote on X.
“However, several women wrestlers stood their ground and continued to fight the case against Brij Bhushan in court. We are deeply saddened that the court did not find Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh guilty of the allegations of sexual harassment made by the women wrestlers.”
Vinesh, who became a Congress MLA from Haryana’s Julana constituency, informed the media that the wrestlers have instructed their lawyers to appeal against the decision.
“From the very beginning, the entire establishment, the government, and the system have been working to protect Brij Bhushan. The women wrestlers have instructed their lawyers to appeal against this decision, and the appeal will be filed as soon as possible. We have not lost hope, and the wrestlers will continue their fight,” Vinesh asserted.
Brij Bhushan called the court’s order a moment of happiness for him.
“The honourable judge said that Brij Bhushan Singh and Vinod Tomar are acquitted with honour. From the very first day, I had said that if even a single allegation against me was proved, I would be ready to face the harshest punishment. Today, the court has acquitted us with honour and it is a matter of happiness for me,” Brij Bhushan said.
“What I had said on the first day has turned out to be true. I did not know what the other side was thinking, but my first reaction was that truth would prevail. Today is a moment of happiness,” he added.
