A Delhi court on 3 August 2026 acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar in the sexual harassment case filed by six women wrestlers.
The court held that the prosecution had not proved the charges against the accused beyond reasonable doubt. An acquittal does not amount to a judicial finding that the allegations were false; it means the prosecution did not establish criminal guilt to the standard required under law.
The verdict brings to a close a legal battle that began in 2023 and became one of the biggest controversies in Indian sport, leading to nationwide protests, a police investigation and a prolonged trial.
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How Did The Case Begin?
The controversy began in 2023 when several women wrestlers accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment and demanded action against him.
The issue gained national attention after Olympic medallists Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joined protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, alleging that complaints against the then WFI chief had not been addressed adequately.
Following a Supreme Court hearing, Delhi Police registered an FIR and began investigating the allegations. Singh denied all allegations and said he had faith in the judicial process.
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What Were The Allegations?
Six women wrestlers filed complaints alleging sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour during Singh's tenure as president of the Wrestling Federation of India.
The complainants alleged that several incidents took place over a number of years at WFI offices, training camps and during international events. They also alleged that Singh misused his position as head of the federation.
Singh consistently denied the allegations, describing them as false and politically motivated.
What Legal Action Was Taken?
Delhi Police investigated the complaints and filed a chargesheet against Singh in June 2023, alleging offences including sexual harassment, assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty, stalking and criminal intimidation.
A separate complaint involving a minor wrestler was also investigated under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. However, Delhi Police later filed a closure report in that case after concluding there was insufficient evidence to proceed under the Act.
In 2024, the court framed charges against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar, allowing the trial to proceed. Over the next two years, the court heard testimony from witnesses and arguments from both the prosecution and the defence.
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Why Did The Delhi Court Acquit Brij Bhushan Singh?
On 3 August 2026, Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court acquitted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar.
The court concluded that the prosecution had not established the charges beyond reasonable doubt, the legal standard required for a criminal conviction.
As a result, both accused were acquitted and the criminal proceedings in the case came to an end.
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What Did Brij Bhushan Singh Say After The Verdict?
Following the verdict, Singh welcomed the court's decision and said it showed the allegations against him had not been proved in court.
He also thanked his supporters and said he had always trusted the judicial process.
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Who Is Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh?
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is a politician from Uttar Pradesh and a former BJP Member of Parliament from Kaiserganj. He served as the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for more than a decade and was one of the country's most influential sports administrators.
During his tenure, he oversaw the functioning of the federation and Indian wrestling's participation in national and international competitions. Following the sexual harassment allegations in 2023, Singh stepped aside from his role as WFI chief while the legal proceedings continued.
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