A Delhi court has acquitted former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar in the high-profile sexual harassment case filed by prominent Indian wrestlers. The court cited inconsistencies in the complainants' versions as a key reason for the acquittal.

Key Takeaways

  • Delhi Court acquits Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar of sexual harassment charges.
  • The court noted significant delays and contradictions in the complainants' statements.
  • The case stems from the massive 2023 protests led by stars like Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik.

In a significant legal development on Monday, a Delhi court acquitted former BJP MP and ex-Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar in a sexual harassment case. The judgment was delivered by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Ashwini Panwar.

The case gained national attention in 2023 when several world-class wrestlers, including Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sangeeta Phogat, staged prolonged protests in New Delhi. They alleged that Singh had harassed multiple female grapplers, including a minor, between 2016 and 2019 at the WFI office and his official residence.

Read Also:Kerala High Court Rules Inserting 'Vibrating Machine' Constitutes Sexual Assault under POCSO

Court's Observations

The court's decision to grant an honorable acquittal was based on several critical factors. The defense highlighted that the prosecution failed to bridge the gaps in the testimony. The court observed that the unexplained delay in reporting, inconsistencies in major issues, and the post-incident conduct of the complainants made their version of events highly unbelievable.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this verdict marks a turning point in the intersection of sports politics and gender-based justice in India. While the athletes' protest catalyzed a massive movement for safety in sports, the legal outcome underscores the heavy burden of proof required in criminal proceedings involving high-profile figures.

The acquittal hinges on the legal principle that doubt must benefit the accused when testimonies lack corroborative consistency.

The legal battle had been intense, following a Supreme Court intervention in May 2023 which led to the filing of an FIR. A massive 1,000-page chargesheet was subsequently submitted. Singh had maintained throughout the trial that the investigation was biased and driven by a desire for revenge by the victims.

Did You Know?: The protests led by these wrestlers became a global symbol for athletes demanding systemic change in sports governance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the primary reason for the acquittal?
The court cited contradictions, unexplained delays, and a lack of corroborative evidence in the complainants' statements.

2. Who were the prominent figures involved in the protest?
Renowned wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik led the movement against the former WFI chief.