'If even one allegation was true, I would have hanged myself': Brij Bhushan after acquittal, hits back at wrestlers
Brij Bhushan Singh acquitted: Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has been acquitted by Delhi's Rouse Avenue District Court in the sexual harassment case filed against him by several women wrestlers. The court also acquitted former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar, bringing an end to one of India's most high-profile sports-related legal cases that began in 2023.
The case had drawn nationwide attention after leading wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, led prolonged protests demanding action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment.
The verdict was delivered on Monday after the court heard final arguments from both the prosecution and the defence.
Following the judgment, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh described the verdict as a moment of relief and happiness for himself and his supporters. He thanked his legal team and said he would comment further only after reading the detailed court order.
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Reacting to the verdict, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh recalled his statement made at the beginning of the controversy, when he had claimed he would accept the harshest punishment if any allegation against him was proven. He said the court had now "honourably acquitted" both him and Vinod Tomar after nearly three years of legal proceedings.
Singh also maintained that he had always believed he was innocent and had complete faith in the judicial process.
#WATCH | Delhi | After being acquitted by Rouse Avenue Court in the women wrestlers alleged sexual harassment case, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh says, "... I said this was a conspiracy, and if any of the allegations against me are found to be true, I will hang myself. To this day,… https://t.co/6O1R8HjBeD pic.twitter.com/Btlt3pWJZA — ANI (@ANI) August 3, 2026
The former WFI president reiterated that he had consistently maintained the allegations were part of a conspiracy.
He said he never felt guilty during the course of the case and expressed satisfaction over what he described as a victory in a fight to protect the interests of junior wrestlers.
During his interaction with the media, he referred to the public criticism and protests that followed the allegations in 2023.
He said there had been demands for his execution and other severe punishments during the protests, adding that those who had made such demands should now reflect on the court's verdict. He also said he would respond to the allegations in detail at an appropriate time.
Background of the case
The case originated after several women wrestlers accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment during his tenure as the head of the Wrestling Federation of India. The allegations led to a prolonged protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, where top wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, demanded Singh's arrest and action against him.
The protests received widespread public attention and sparked a national debate on athlete safety, accountability and governance in Indian sports.
In 2023, the Delhi Police filed a chargesheet against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh , accusing him of offences, including sexual harassment, use of criminal force against women, and criminal intimidation. Vinod Tomar was also named as a co-accused in the case.
Before delivering the judgment, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwani Panwar heard detailed submissions from both sides.
Senior advocate Rebecca John represented the complainants during the final arguments, while Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh defence was led by advocate Rajiv Mohan, assisted by Rehan Khan and Rishabh Bhati.
After completing the hearings, the court had reserved its verdict and directed both parties to submit written arguments before pronouncing the judgment.
The acquittal now concludes the criminal proceedings in a case that remained at the centre of public and political debate for nearly three years.
- With inputs from agencies
