New Delhi: Olympian wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Monday strongly reacted to the acquittal of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the sexual harassment case, alleging that the entire system protects powerful people.
The reaction came after a Delhi court acquitted Brij Bhushan and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar, observing that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
Vinesh says the fight was never easy
In a statement shared after the verdict, Vinesh expressed disappointment and said the outcome was not just about one individual but about the larger system.
“The entire system protects him,” she said, adding that the wrestlers had fought with honesty and courage despite facing immense pressure.
Vinesh was one of the leading faces of the 2023 wrestlers’ protest against Brij Bhushan, along with Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia.
Case began with Jantar Mantar protest
The controversy began in January 2023 when several women wrestlers accused Brij Bhushan of sexual harassment and intimidation. The wrestlers staged prolonged protests at Jantar Mantar and demanded his resignation as WFI chief and action against those responsible.
The protests drew nationwide attention and led to the formation of an inquiry committee by the Indian Olympic Association. The Union Sports Ministry later suspended the functioning of the WFI amid the controversy.
Court acquits Brij Bhushan
On Monday, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar of the Rouse Avenue Court acquitted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar, holding that the prosecution had not established the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
Following the verdict, Brij Bhushan said the judgment was a “victory of junior players” and claimed that even Olympians could lie for their own interests.
The verdict has once again sparked sharp reactions in the wrestling community and among supporters of the protesting wrestlers.