PTC Web Desk: Olympian Vinesh Phogat has strongly reacted to the acquittal of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the sexual harassment case, saying the women wrestlers are "deeply disappointed" with the Delhi court's verdict and will challenge it before a higher court.

The verdict, delivered by Delhi's Rouse Avenue District Court, marked a significant development in a legal battle that began nearly three years ago following allegations of sexual harassment against the former WFI chief.

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'We are deeply disappointed'

In a statement shared on social media, Vinesh said the complainants were saddened by the court's decision, adding that several women wrestlers had continued to pursue the case despite immense challenges.

She alleged that the legal fight was sustained by the determination of the complainants but said the court did not find Brij Bhushan guilty of the allegations.

'The system protected Brij Bhushan'

Vinesh also accused the government and the establishment of shielding the former WFI chief throughout the legal proceedings. According to her statement, the entire system had worked to protect Brij Bhushan from the beginning of the case.

Wrestlers to challenge verdict

Making it clear that the legal battle is far from over, Vinesh confirmed that the complainants have instructed their lawyers to file an appeal against the acquittal.

She said the appeal would be moved before a higher court at the earliest and asserted that the wrestlers have not lost hope.

According to Vinesh, the women wrestlers will continue fighting for justice through the legal process.

Case that sparked nationwide protests

The case emerged in 2023 after several women wrestlers accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment during his tenure as WFI president. The allegations triggered months of protests led by Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, who demanded Singh's arrest and removal from the top post in the wrestling federation.

Earlier this year, Vinesh publicly revealed that she was one of the six complainants in the case. She had said she withheld her identity during the trial in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines protecting the identity of survivors in sexual harassment cases.

Brij Bhushan welcomed the verdict

Following the acquittal, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh welcomed the court's decision and reiterated that he had maintained his innocence from the very beginning.

He said he was happy with the verdict and described it as good news for both himself and his supporters, adding that he would not comment further on the matter.