Nation

IIE DIGITAL: A Delhi court on Monday acquitted former BJP MP and former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, along with his former aide Vinod Tomar, in the sexual harassment case filed by six women wrestlers. The verdict brought an end to one of the most closely watched legal battles in Indian sports.

The judgment was delivered by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Ashwini Panwar of the Rouse Avenue Courts after hearing detailed arguments from the prosecution, the complainants and the defence. The order was pronounced during in-camera proceedings, following which the defence termed the ruling an "honourable acquittal."

The case stemmed from allegations made by six women wrestlers, who accused Singh of sexual harassment during the period between 2016 and 2019. Based on their complaints, the Delhi Police had registered an FIR against the former WFI chief. The alleged incidents were said to have occurred at the WFI office, Singh's official residence and during international tours.

In June 2023, Delhi Police filed a chargesheet against Singh under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to outrage a woman's modesty), 354A (sexual harassment), 354D (stalking) and 506(1) (criminal intimidation). Vinod Tomar was also chargesheeted under Section 109 of the IPC for alleged abetment.

In May 2024, the trial court framed charges against Singh in relation to the complaints of five women wrestlers, while discharging him in the complaint filed by the sixth woman. Charges against Tomar were limited to an allegation of criminal intimidation linked to one complainant, while he was discharged from the remaining accusations.

During the proceedings, Singh had sought further investigation, claiming he was not in India on the dates when some of the alleged incidents were said to have taken place. However, the court rejected his plea for additional investigation and further submissions on the framing of charges. Both Singh and Tomar remained on bail throughout the trial.

Separately, the Delhi Police had earlier filed a cancellation report in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act case that had been registered against Singh following a complaint by a minor wrestler.

Reacting to the verdict, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh quoted a line from the Ramcharitmanas, saying, "होइहि सोइ जो राम रचि राखा", meaning, "What is meant to be will be, as destined by Lord Ram."