'It is a matter of joy': Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh breaks silence after acquittal in wrestlers' case

Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Monday welcomed his acquittal in the sexual harassment case filed by six women wrestlers, saying the court's verdict had upheld the stand he had maintained since the allegations first emerged.

Reacting after the judgment, Singh said, “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.”

He added, “Today, the court has acquitted us with honour and it is a matter of happiness for me. 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 the truth would prevail. Today is a moment of happiness.”

'It is a matter of joy'

Speaking further after the verdict, Singh said, "On the first day, when my first statement came, I had said that if any verdict or any charge is proven, I will hang myself. Today, the court acquitted me with honour. It is a matter of joy for me and my supporters... Today is a happy day."

Earlier in the day, a Delhi court acquitted Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar in the case. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar delivered the judgment after reserving the order on July 2 and directing both sides to file written submissions.

Case dates back to 2023 protests

The case arose from allegations by six women wrestlers, who accused Singh of sexually harassing female athletes over several years. The allegations triggered months-long protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar in 2023, with the wrestlers demanding his arrest and removal from the top post in the federation.

Following the controversy, Singh was removed as WFI chief, while Tomar was also suspended. The protests were briefly paused after the Union Sports Ministry announced an inquiry but resumed later after the wrestlers alleged that no meaningful action had been taken.