Phogat accused the authorities of shielding the former BJP MP throughout the case NEW DELHI: Wrestler Vinesh Phogat said the women wrestlers would appeal against the acquittal of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. She alleged that “the entire state machinery, the government, and the system have been working to protect Brij Bhushan” since the beginning of the case.In a statement issued after the verdict on Monday, Phogat accused the authorities of shielding the former BJP MP throughout the case and confirmed that the wrestlers had instructed their lawyers to appeal.”We had to muster a great deal of courage to take to the streets and get an FIR registered against a powerful leader of the ruling party. Using the influence of the government and his own political clout, Brij Bhushan intimidated several girls into withdrawing their names from the case. Yet, several women wrestlers stood firm and continued fighting against Brij Bhushan in court,” she wrote.Expressing disappointment over the verdict, Phogat said, “We are deeply saddened that the court did not find Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh guilty of the sexual harassment allegations brought by the women wrestlers.”She went on to allege that, “From the very beginning, the entire state machinery, the government, and the system have been working to protect Brij Bhushan.” Announcing the next legal step, Phogat added, “The women wrestlers have instructed their lawyers to appeal against this verdict, and the appeal will be filed as soon as possible. We have not lost hope, and the wrestlers will continue their fight.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe statement came hours after Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar acquitted Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar, the former WFI assistant secretary, in the sexual harassment case filed by six women wrestlers.Speaking to reporters outside the court, Singh welcomed the verdict, calling it an “honourable” acquittal.”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, adding that he would comment further after reading the detailed order.The court had reserved its verdict on July 2 after hearing final arguments. The Delhi Police had filed a chargesheet against Brij Bhushan in June 2023 under provisions of the Indian Penal Code relating to sexual harassment, stalking, criminal intimidation and assault or criminal force intended to outrage the modesty of a woman. Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorVivek DubeyA digital news desk journalist at The Times of India with over two years of experience. Closely tracks foreign affairs and international politics. Fondness for precise language and clever headlines. When not editing news, he is usually refining a turn of phrase.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi Police To Not Register Case Against Minor Who Abused PM Modi, Say Sources‘Jihad-Producing Factories’: Taslima Nasreen Speaks On Mosques, Madrasas In Bangladesh; Demands UCCON CAM: Clash Erupts At Pappu Yadav’s Delhi Press Meet, Man Carrying Knife Detained‘Mekedatu Dam Is Permanent Solution’: Karnataka CM Shivakumar After All-Party Meet On Cauvery Water’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad Booked123PhotostoriesInside Shehnaaz Gill’s stunning Mumbai home: cozy corners, luxe vibes and moreWhat did Titanic passengers eat? 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Phogat accused the authorities of shielding the former BJP MP throughout the case NEW DELHI: Wrestler Vinesh Phogat said the women wrestlers would appeal against the acquittal of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. She alleged that “the entire state machinery, the government, and the system have been working to protect Brij Bhushan” since the beginning of the case.In a statement issued after the verdict on Monday, Phogat accused the authorities of shielding the former BJP MP throughout the case and confirmed that the wrestlers had instructed their lawyers to appeal.”We had to muster a great deal of courage to take to the streets and get an FIR registered against a powerful leader of the ruling party. Using the influence of the government and his own political clout, Brij Bhushan intimidated several girls into withdrawing their names from the case. Yet, several women wrestlers stood firm and continued fighting against Brij Bhushan in court,” she wrote.Expressing disappointment over the verdict, Phogat said, “We are deeply saddened that the court did not find Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh guilty of the sexual harassment allegations brought by the women wrestlers.”She went on to allege that, “From the very beginning, the entire state machinery, the government, and the system have been working to protect Brij Bhushan.” Announcing the next legal step, Phogat added, “The women wrestlers have instructed their lawyers to appeal against this verdict, and the appeal will be filed as soon as possible. We have not lost hope, and the wrestlers will continue their fight.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe statement came hours after Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashwini Panwar acquitted Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar, the former WFI assistant secretary, in the sexual harassment case filed by six women wrestlers.Speaking to reporters outside the court, Singh welcomed the verdict, calling it an “honourable” acquittal.”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, adding that he would comment further after reading the detailed order.The court had reserved its verdict on July 2 after hearing final arguments. The Delhi Police had filed a chargesheet against Brij Bhushan in June 2023 under provisions of the Indian Penal Code relating to sexual harassment, stalking, criminal intimidation and assault or criminal force intended to outrage the modesty of a woman. Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorVivek DubeyA digital news desk journalist at The Times of India with over two years of experience. Closely tracks foreign affairs and international politics. Fondness for precise language and clever headlines. When not editing news, he is usually refining a turn of phrase.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi Police To Not Register Case Against Minor Who Abused PM Modi, Say Sources‘Jihad-Producing Factories’: Taslima Nasreen Speaks On Mosques, Madrasas In Bangladesh; Demands UCCON CAM: Clash Erupts At Pappu Yadav’s Delhi Press Meet, Man Carrying Knife Detained‘Mekedatu Dam Is Permanent Solution’: Karnataka CM Shivakumar After All-Party Meet On Cauvery Water’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad Booked123PhotostoriesInside Shehnaaz Gill’s stunning Mumbai home: cozy corners, luxe vibes and moreWhat did Titanic passengers eat? Inside the ship’s famous menusAt 108, Susan Young Browne takes only one medicine, drives her blue car still: 5 tips from her for a long, healthy, fulfilling life8 delicious no onion, no garlic lunch ideas for flavourful everyday mealsStop throwing away banana peels and mix them with baking soda: The chemistry behind the combination and 3 smart usesAluminium foil isn’t just for cooking: 7 practical ways it quietly solves common household problems5 quiet luxury brands fashion insiders are secretly buying right nowThe return of Madras check: Why this South Indian textile is dominating fashion in 2026Eggs and cholesterol: Are they really bad for your heart, or have we misunderstood one of the world’s most nutritious foods?7 signs you’re confusing loneliness with love (and how to tell the difference)123Hot PicksBypoll resultsPM ModiBankipur bypoll resultCET CAP Round 1 allotmentRBI FD rulePrashant KishorE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingCJP WarningBrij bhushanMadhya Pradesh Baby MurderGhaziabad Psychiatrist SuicideJeM Operative GirlfriendRuchika SharmaHamim Mondal ArrestWomen Wrestlers Sexual Harassment CaseBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh


'Entire system working to protect Brij Bhushan': Vinesh Phogat says wrestlers to continue fight
Phogat accused the authorities of shielding the former BJP MP throughout the case

NEW DELHI: Wrestler Vinesh Phogat said the women wrestlers would appeal against the acquittal of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. She alleged that “the entire state machinery, the government, and the system have been working to protect Brij Bhushan” since the beginning of the case.In a statement issued after the verdict on Monday, Phogat accused the authorities of shielding the former BJP MP throughout the case and confirmed that the wrestlers had instructed their lawyers to appeal.“We had to muster a great deal of courage to take to the streets and get an FIR registered against a powerful leader of the ruling party. Using the influence of the government and his own political clout, Brij Bhushan intimidated several girls into withdrawing their names from the case. Yet, several women wrestlers stood firm and continued fighting against Brij Bhushan in court,” she wrote.Expressing disappointment over the verdict, Phogat said, “We are deeply saddened that the court did not find Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh guilty of the sexual harassment allegations brought by the women wrestlers.”She went on to allege that, “From the very beginning, the entire state machinery, the government, and the system have been working to protect Brij Bhushan.” Announcing the next legal step, Phogat added, “The women wrestlers have instructed their lawyers to appeal against this verdict, and the appeal will be filed as soon as possible. We have not lost hope, and the wrestlers will continue their fight.”

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