Vinesh Phogat to Challenge Brij Bhushan Acquittal

The statement came shortly after a court acquitted Brij Bhushan Singh and former WFI secretary Vinod Tomar in the case filed by six women wrestlers.

Vinesh Phogat says the fight will continue

In response to the court's decision, Vinesh said the wrestlers were disappointed at the time but also determined to fight on.

She said the athletes had shown great courage by protesting and demanding that an FIR be registered against Brij Bhushan. Many women were under pressure and intimidation in the case. Vinesh said the wrestlers have instructed their lawyers to appeal against the verdict as soon as possible.

"We have not given up hope, and the wrestlers will continue their fight," she said.

Background of the Case

The case dates back to Jan 2023 when the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi witnessed some top Indian wrestlers protesting.

The wrestlers accused Brij Bhushan Singh of sexually harassing women athletes for years and also demanded his arrest and removal from the Wrestling Federation of India.

The protest attracted national attention and led to the registration of a police case. After a two-year legal process, the court acquitted Brij Bhushan Singh and Vinod Tomar.

Brij Bhushan calls Verdict a 'Moment of Happiness'

After the verdict was delivered, Brij Bhushan Singh welcomed the court's decision and termed it as a “moment of happiness.”

He said he had maintained his innocence from the beginning and had said if even one accusation against him was proved, he would accept the strictest punishment.After the acquittal, he said that the court’s decision confirmed his position.

What is next?

The wrestlers have said they will appeal the acquittal in higher courts.Their legal team will launch a fight soon so the case can run its course through the courts.

The outcome of the appeal will determine the next stage in one of India’s most high-profile sports-related legal cases.

Though the court has acquitted Brij Bhushan Singh and Vinod Tomar, the matter is not over. The women wrestlers will continue their legal fight in court through appeals, Vinesh Phogat’s statement states.

The whole case, which began with nationwide protests in 2023, still plays an important role in Indian wrestling, and the final legal decision now looks more likely to be decided in a higher court.