Female wrestlers to appeal Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's acquittal in harassment case

Vinesh Phogat and other women wrestlers have decided to appeal the court verdict that acquitted former MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a sexual harassment case. In a post on social media platform X, Phogat said the wrestlers have instructed their lawyers to file an appeal as soon as possible.

“The female wrestlers have instructed their lawyers to appeal this decision, and this will be done as soon as possible. We have not lost hope, and the wrestlers will continue their fight,” the post said.

A Delhi court acquitted Singh and his aide Vinod Tomar on Monday. The case stemmed from allegations by several women grapplers, including a minor, that Singh sexually harassed them between 2016 and 2019 at the Wrestling Federation of India office, at his official residence, and during international trips.

Reacting to the verdict, Phogat expressed disappointment, saying it took courage for the wrestlers to file the FIR against a powerful politician. “It took a lot of courage for us to take to the streets and file an FIR against a powerful leader of the ruling party. Using his power and muscle, Brijbhushan intimidated many girls into withdrawing their names. However, many female wrestlers stood up and fought against Brijbhushan in court. We are deeply saddened that the court did not find Brijbhushan Sharan Singh guilty of the sexual assault charges leveled by the female wrestlers,” she wrote.

The post also alleged that the system had worked to protect Singh. “From the very beginning, the entire system, the government, and the entire system have been working to protect Brijbhushan,” it said, in a statement that appeared to criticise the handling of the case.

The case gained national attention in 2023 when Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and other wrestlers held prolonged protests in New Delhi, demanding the arrest of Singh, then president of the Wrestling Federation of India and a BJP leader. The protesters accused him of sexual harassment and intimidation. The Delhi Police later filed a chargesheet against Singh and Tomar.

Legal experts say an appeal will now be heard by a higher court, where the prosecution and the complainants can challenge the trial court's findings. The wrestlers have said they will pursue the matter further.

Singh has denied all allegations, and his lawyers have maintained that the case was politically motivated. The court's verdict, which acquitted him, cited lack of sufficient evidence, according to reports.

The decision to appeal marks the latest chapter in a long legal and social battle by the wrestlers, who have said they are committed to seeking justice.