Ex-WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Acquitted In Sexual Harassment Case: All You Need To Know

Last Updated:August 03, 2026, 11:54 IST

Wrestlers had demanded Brij Bhushan's resignation as WFI chief and sought the dissolution of the federation.

Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh along with ex-WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar on Monday were acquitted in a sexual harassment and intimidation case filed by women wrestlers by a Delhi court. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Ashwini Panwar of the Rouse Avenue Courts delivered the verdict, ruling that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt. The detailed judgment is awaited.

Tomar was facing trial under Section 506 Part I of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in connection with allegations made by one of the complainants.

The Origin

After several women wrestlers accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment and intimidation, prominent wrestlers including Olympians Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, began a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar in January 2023. They demanded action against Singh and wanted him to be removed as WFI chief.

The wrestlers also demanded reforms in the functioning of the federation and alleged that athletes had faced harassment and intimidation.

Inquiry And Action

Following a complaint submitted to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president P.T. Usha, an oversight committee comprising eminent sportspersons, including Mary Kom and Yogeshwar Dutt, was constituted.

The WFI, however, denied the allegations against its then president and coaches. Amid the controversy, the Union Sports Ministry suspended the functioning of the WFI and sidelined then assistant secretary Vinod Tomar.

Singh later resigned from as WFI chief and later said he’s taking ‘sanyas‘ from wrestling to focus on Lok Sabha elections. He also rejected the possibility of him contesting WFI elections again.

Charges Framed In 2024

The trial moved forward in May 2024 when the Rouse Avenue Court framed charges against Brij Bhushan and Tomar. The court found sufficient material to proceed against Singh on charges related to sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of women wrestlers. Singh had denied the allegations, pleaded not guilty and opted to face trial.

The Delhi Police had earlier filed a chargesheet against Singh in the case involving six women wrestlers, with allegations including sexual harassment and criminal intimidation.

Trial Concludes

The trial continued for more than two years, with the court hearing arguments from both sides before reserving the verdict. The prosecution and defence completed their final submissions before the court announced the judgment on August 3.

During the proceedings, Singh also approached the Delhi HC seeking quashing of the FIR, chargesheet and criminal proceedings. The petition remained pending while the trial continued.

Separate POCSO Case

The present case is separate from the POCSO case registered after a complaint by a minor wrestler against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. In that matter, a Delhi court accepted the Delhi Police’s cancellation report in May 2025 after the investigating agency said it found no corroborative evidence supporting the allegations. The complainant and her father did not oppose the cancellation report.

With Monday’s order, the trial arising from complaints filed by women wrestlers has ended with the acquittal of the duo. Advocates Rajiv Mohan, Rishabh Bhati and Rehan Khan represented the accused before the trial court.

About the Author

Feroz Khan

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience ...Read More

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