The Brij Bhsuhan Sharan Timeline: A 3-Year Case That Began With Wrestlers' Protest At Jantar Mantar

Last Updated:August 03, 2026, 11:12 IST

The court’s decision came after a trial that stretched over two years, involving statements from complainants, examination of witnesses and detailed arguments from both sides.

Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was acquitted by a Delhi court on August 3, 2026, in the sexual harassment case filed by women wrestlers, bringing the curtains down on a high-profile legal battle that began with protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and went on to become one of the biggest controversies in Indian sports.

Speaking exclusively to News18 after the verdict, Singh said, “The court has acquitted me. I had said that day that I would hang myself if found guilty. Today, I am walking free after being acquitted."

The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi also acquitted Vinod Tomar, the then Assistant Secretary of the Wrestling Federation of India, in the case. The court’s decision came after a trial that stretched over two years, involving statements from complainants, examination of witnesses and detailed arguments from both sides.

The case, which involved allegations by six women wrestlers against Singh, had triggered a nationwide debate on athlete safety, accountability in sports bodies and the power dynamics within sporting federations.

Singh had denied all allegations throughout the proceedings and maintained that he was innocent.

January 2023: The Controversy Erupts

The controversy erupted in January 2023 when several women wrestlers accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was then serving as the president of the Wrestling Federation of India, of sexual harassment and intimidation.

Among those who publicly protested were Olympic medallists Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, along with Commonwealth and World Championship medallist Vinesh Phogat. The wrestlers alleged that Singh had misused his position within the federation and demanded action against him.

The allegations led to a high-profile protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where some of India’s biggest sporting names sat in demonstration, drawing national attention to concerns around the functioning of sports federations and mechanisms available to athletes for raising complaints.

April 2023: FIR Filed After Wrestlers Approach Police

The legal battle formally began on April 28, 2023, when Delhi Police registered an FIR at Connaught Place Police Station based on complaints filed by six women wrestlers. The FIR named Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar under Sections 354, 354A, 354D and 34 of the Indian Penal Code, relating to assault or criminal force against women with intent to outrage modesty, sexual harassment, stalking and common intention.

On the same day, a separate FIR – FIR No. 77/2023 – was registered against Singh on the complaint of a minor wrestler under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Singh rejected the allegations and said he would cooperate with the investigation.

June 2023: Chargesheet Filed, POCSO Case Closure Report Submitted

On June 15, 2023, Delhi Police filed a chargesheet against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar in the case involving allegations made by the six wrestlers. The chargesheet was based on the investigation into the complaints, witness statements and other material collected by police.

On the same day, Delhi Police also filed a closure report in the separate POCSO case registered against Singh.

The POCSO matter followed a complaint by a minor wrestler. During the investigation, the complainant later changed her statement, following which police sought closure of the case.

July 2023: Court Takes Cognizance, Accused Granted Bail

On July 7, 2023, the Delhi court took cognizance of the chargesheet filed in the case related to the six wrestlers. Nearly two weeks later, on July 20, 2023, the court granted bail to both accused – Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar.

The grant of bail meant that both accused would remain free during the trial proceedings.

May 2024: Charges Framed, Trial Begins

After examining the material on record, the court passed its order on charges on May 10, 2024. On May 21, 2024, formal charges were framed against Singh and Tomar. Both accused pleaded not guilty and opted to face trial.

The court’s decision to frame charges meant that it found sufficient grounds for the case to proceed, but it was not a finding of guilt.

July 2024: Prosecution Evidence Begins

The prosecution evidence stage began on July 26, 2024, with the examination of the first prosecution witness. Over the next several months, the prosecution presented its case before the court, examining witnesses and placing evidence on record.

A total of 32 prosecution witnesses were examined during the trial, while nine witnesses were dropped by the prosecution.

May 2025: Court Accepts Closure Report in POCSO Case

On May 26, 2025, Additional Sessions Judge Gomti Manocha of Patiala House Court accepted the closure report filed by Delhi Police in the POCSO case against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. This brought an end to the separate case registered under POCSO provisions.

The main trial involving allegations made by the six wrestlers continued.

May-July 2026: Final Stage of Trial

The prosecution evidence concluded on May 25, 2026, after the examination of the last prosecution witness. Following this, the statements of both accused were recorded on June 8, 2026.

The final arguments in the case began on June 9, 2026, with both the prosecution and defence presenting their submissions before the court. After weeks of arguments, the hearing concluded on July 2, 2026.

August 3, 2026: Court Delivers Verdict, Singh Acquitted

After considering the evidence, witness statements and arguments presented during the trial, the court delivered its judgment on August 3, 2026. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar were acquitted, with the court finding that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

Speaking after the verdict, Singh referred to his earlier statement that he would accept punishment if found guilty and said the court’s decision had cleared him.

About the Author

Ananya BhatnagarPrincipal Correspondent

Ananya Bhatnagar, Principal Correspondent at CNN-News18, reports on various legal issues and cases in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. He has covered the hanging of the Nirbhaya gang-rape convic...Read More

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