NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Monday acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and ex-BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar in a sexual harassment case filed by six women wrestlers.The order was passed by additional chief judicial magistrate Ashwini Panwar at Delhi’s rouse avenue court.Speaking to reporters outside the court, Singh said the court had “honourably” acquitted him and Tomar.“On the first day, I had said that if any allegation against me was proved, I would hang myself. The court has now honourably acquitted me. I am happy and grateful to my lawyers,” he said.“For now, this is all I can say. I will comment further after going through the court’s reasoned order,” the ex-BJP MP added.The court had reserved its verdict on Thursday after hearing final arguments in the case.Also read: ‘Flower petals, cheers, slogans’: Watch Brij Bhushan Singh’s grand welcome after acquittalThe case stemmed from allegations made by six women wrestlers, following which Delhi Police filed a chargesheet against Singh on June 15, 2023. He was charged 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.In May 2024, the court ordered the framing of charges of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation against Singh. However, it discharged him in relation to allegations made by one of the six complainants.The court also directed that charges be framed against Vinod Tomar, former assistant secretary of the WFI.Both Singh and Tomar were out on bail during the trial.The case attracted nationwide attention after leading Indian wrestlers staged protests in 2023, accusing Singh of sexual harassment and demanding his arrest.
