Olympian Vinesh Phogat has expressed disappointment after a Delhi court acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the sexual harassment case filed by several women wrestlers. Reacting to the verdict, Phogat said the complainants would challenge the decision in a higher court and continue their legal battle.
In a statement shared on social media, Phogat alleged that influential forces had protected Brij Bhushan throughout the case. She said the wrestlers had shown immense courage in filing complaints and pursuing legal action despite facing pressure and intimidation.
The protests, led by Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia in 2023, became one of the most significant movements in Indian sports, demanding accountability within the Wrestling Federation of India.
Following the acquittal, Brij Bhushan welcomed the court’s decision, reiterating that he had maintained his innocence since the allegations first surfaced.
With the complainants preparing to file an appeal, the legal dispute is expected to continue, ensuring that one of India’s most high-profile sports-related cases remains under judicial scrutiny.