**Title: Indian Court Acquits Former Wrestling Chief in High-Profile Sexual Harassment Case**
A New Delhi court has acquitted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), in a sexual harassment and stalking case involving several prominent female wrestlers. The verdict was delivered on August 3, 2026, following a lengthy legal battle that began three years prior when allegations against Singh prompted widespread protests across the country.
Singh, a 69-year-old former politician affiliated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), faced accusations from five women who claimed he had groped them and solicited sexual favors. Throughout the proceedings, Singh maintained his innocence, asserting that he never viewed himself as a criminal. Following the court's decision, he expressed his relief, stating, “I had complete faith that justice would be done … justice was done.”
The court's ruling was based on findings of “inconsistencies” in witness testimonies and contradictions on significant issues, according to Singh’s lawyer, Rajiv Mohan. Following the announcement, Singh's supporters celebrated the acquittal with firecrackers and flower petals, chanting slogans in his honor.
The case gained national attention in 2023 when it sparked significant protests led by top female wrestlers, including world champion Vinesh Phogat and Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik. These athletes, alongside hundreds of supporters, staged a sit-in demonstration in New Delhi, demanding Singh's resignation from the WFI and calling for criminal action against him. The protests highlighted the athletes' determination to seek justice and brought the issue of sexual harassment in sports to the forefront of public discourse in India.
Wrestling holds a prominent place in Indian culture, particularly in rural northern regions, and the images of Phogat and others being detained while attempting to march to parliament during the protests resonated widely on social media. In a notable act of protest, Bajrang Punia, an Olympic wrestler, returned one of India’s highest civilian awards in December 2023, while Malik announced her retirement from the sport in solidarity with the movement against Singh.
Despite the court's ruling, the fight for justice continues. The female wrestlers involved in the case have instructed their legal team to appeal the verdict. Phogat announced on social media platform X that they would initiate the appeal process “as soon as possible,” emphasizing their commitment to the cause. “We have not lost hope, and the wrestlers will continue their fight,” she asserted.
The acquittal of Singh has reignited discussions about the treatment of women in sports and the broader implications for gender equality in India. The protests and the subsequent legal proceedings have drawn attention to the challenges faced by female athletes in a male-dominated sports environment, highlighting the need for systemic changes to ensure their safety and rights.
As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how the appeals process will progress and what impact it will have on the future of the WFI and the athletes involved. The ongoing struggle for justice by these female wrestlers underscores the complexities of addressing issues of harassment and accountability within the sporting community.