CHANDIGARH: World Championships medallist Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia on Monday said that the women wrestlers who had filed a sexual harassment case against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh will appeal against a Delhi court's decision to acquit him.
The a joint statement came hours after Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court acquitted Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Tarun Tomar in the sexual harassment case filed by the women wrestlers.
"From the very beginning, the entire administration, the government, and the system have been engaged in protecting Brij Bhushan," Phogat posted on 'X'.
"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. The women wrestlers have instructed their lawyers to appeal against this decision, and the appeal will be filed as soon as possible. We have not lost hope, and the wrestlers will continue their fight," Phogat said.
"We have not lost hope and the wrestlers will continue their fight. The women wrestlers have instructed their lawyers to appeal the verdict, and the appeal will be filed as soon as possible. We have not lost hope, and the wrestlers will continue their fight," Phogat said.
They alleged that Bhushan used his political influence and muscle power to intimidate several complainants. "Using his political influence and muscle power, Brij Bhushan allegedly intimidated several girls into returning to their villages. We had to gather immense courage to take to the streets and demand the registration of an FIR against a powerful leader of the ruling party,’’ ’’ the statement said alleging that the former WFI chief had enjoyed the support of the establishment throughout the proceedings.
"From the very beginning, the entire system, the government and the establishment have been working to protect Brij Bhushan,” the statement alleged.
Based on the complaints filed by the six wrestlers, Delhi police registered a first information report (FIR) against Singh on June 15, 2023.
The Delhi Police had filed a chargesheet against Singh, a six-time MP, under sections 354 (assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (sexual harassment), 354D (stalking) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.
One of the wrestlers, a minor, later withdrew her complaint.
In May last year, a Delhi Court accepted the Delhi Police's cancellation report, closing the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) case filed by the minor.
The court on July 2 had reserved the order for August 3 after completion of the final arguments in the case.
