'Entire Establishment Has Been Working to Protect Brij Bhushan': Vinesh Phogat Reacts to BJP Ex-MP's Acquittal

New Delhi: Star wrestler and Olympian Vinesh Phogat – one of India's most decorated athletes – has expressed her disappointment at the Delhi court's acquittal of former Bharatiya Janata Party MP and the Wrestling Federation of India former head Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, against whom Phogat and country’s other top wrestlers had held a weeks-long protest, alleging that he had sexually harassed at least five women wrestlers.

"We had to muster a great deal of courage to take to the streets and get an FIR registered against a powerful leader of the ruling party. Using the power of the government and his own influence, Brij Bhushan intimidated several girls into withdrawing their complaints," Phogat wrote in a note on X.

"But several women wrestlers stood firm and continued fighting against Brij Bhushan in court. We are deeply saddened that the court did not find Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh guilty of the allegations of sexual violence made by the women wrestlers," she added.

"From the very beginning, the entire establishment—the government and the system—has been working to protect Brij Bhushan," she wrote, adding that the women wrestlers have instructed their lawyers to appeal this decision.

"The appeal will be filed as soon as possible. We have not lost hope, and the wrestlers will continue their fight."

Singh was accused of sexual harassment by women wrestlers during his time as the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India. Women wrestlers had made serious complaints against Singh, including that he demanded sexual favours in lieu of professional assistance, molested them, ran his hands over their breasts and intimidated anyone who tried to complain.

Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, among others – held a sit-in protest against him in New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, highlighting the Union government and police’s failure to act, including giving up their international and national awards. The police had cracked down on the protest.

The Delhi Police had registered two FIRs against Singh on June 15, 2023.The second FIR filed by a minor wrestler was registered under the POCSO Act. This was later withdrawn.

Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik, who was one of the wrestlers protesting against Singh, quit the sport in December after one of Singh’s aides was picked to head the WFI.

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