Delhi court acquits ex-WFI chief Brij Bhushan, Vinod Tomar in sexual harassment case filed by 6 women wrestlers

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Monday 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 six women wrestlers.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar acquitted Singh, a former BJP MP, and Tomar in the case.

Speaking to reporters outside the court, Singh said he had been “honourably” acquitted and expressed gratitude to his lawyers.

Singh said he had maintained from the beginning that he would accept the harshest punishment if any allegation against him was proved. He added that he would make further comments after examining the court’s detailed order.

Public prosecutor Manish Rawat said the prosecution would study the reasoned order before deciding on the next course of action, including approaching a higher court. The verdict can be challenged before the Delhi High Court.

The court had reserved its order on July 2 after hearing final arguments in the case based on complaints filed by six women wrestlers.

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

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