Court acquits former India wrestling chief of sexual harassment

A court in New Delhi has acquitted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former head of the Indian wrestling federation, of charges including sexual harassment and stalking. The accusations were brought forward by several medal-winning female wrestlers who had led protests demanding his removal from the post.

Singh, a 69-year-old politician affiliated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had been accused by the athletes of groping them and demanding sexual favors. He consistently denied all allegations. The case gained national attention in 2023, sparking weeks of demonstrations by top wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik.

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I had said that day that I would hang myself if found guilty. Today, I am walking free after being ‘honourably acquitted.’

Singh's lawyer, Rajiv Mohan, announced the "honorable acquittal" on August 3, citing "inconsistencies" in witness statements and "contradiction on major issues" as the court's reasoning. Supporters celebrated the verdict with firecrackers and cheers. Singh himself expressed relief, stating, "I had said that day that I would hang myself if found guilty. Today, I am walking free after being ‘honourably acquitted.’"

Prosecutors have indicated they will examine the court's decision and consider appropriate action in higher courts. Delhi police had charged Singh in 2023 following months of pressure from the protesting athletes, who had camped in Delhi and accused authorities of inaction. The protests, particularly images of wrestlers being detained, went viral on social media, highlighting the sport's popularity in rural northern India.

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honourably acquitted