Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat have announced their intention to challenge the Delhi court’s decision to acquit former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a sexual harassment case.
The wrestlers stated that the legal battle is “far from over” and expressed their determination to pursue the matter in a higher court, hours after the verdict was delivered on Monday. In a joint statement posted on the social media platform X, Punia and Phogat conveyed their “deep sadness” regarding the court’s ruling but reiterated their commitment to continue the fight.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the wrestlers highlighted the immense pressure they endured while confronting a figure with significant political influence. They asserted that they had refused to abandon their pursuit of justice.
“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 read. The wrestlers further alleged that Singh had leveraged his political clout to intimidate women and coerce them into withdrawing their complaints.
The former WFI chief, according to the wrestlers’ allegations, received consistent support from the establishment throughout the legal proceedings. “From the very beginning, the entire system, the government and the establishment have been working to protect Brij Bhushan,” the statement alleged, underscoring their perception of systemic protection.
Punia and Phogat confirmed that the women wrestlers involved have formally instructed their legal counsel to challenge the judgment in a higher court. They stated that an appeal would be filed at the earliest opportunity. “We have not lost hope and the wrestlers will continue their fight,” the statement concluded, signalling their resolve.
The case had previously ignited one of the most significant protests within Indian sports in 2023. Prominent wrestlers, including Punia, Phogat, and Sakshi Malik, had collectively demanded accountability from Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The protests brought national attention to the critical issues of athlete safety and governance within sports federations in India.
The legal proceedings stemmed from multiple allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct leveled against the former WFI president by several female wrestlers. The Delhi court’s acquittal of Singh was based on the prosecution’s alleged inability to provide sufficient corroborative evidence for the accusations. The court reportedly found that the evidence presented did not establish any direct corroboration for the allegations made by the complainants.
Following the verdict, discussions within the sporting fraternity and among legal experts have focused on the complexities of proving such allegations, particularly in cases involving individuals holding positions of power. The wrestlers’ decision to appeal suggests a continued belief in their cause and a commitment to seeking justice through higher judicial channels. The case has been a focal point in the broader conversation about gender sensitivity and the protection of athletes’ rights in Indian sports.
Bajrang Punia, a bronze medallist at the Tokyo Olympics, and Vinesh Phogat, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist, have been vocal leaders throughout the protest movement. Their continued involvement in the legal challenge underscores the significance of the case for many athletes who feel vulnerable within the existing sports structure.
The upcoming appeal is expected to re-examine the evidence and legal arguments presented in the lower court. The wrestlers’ legal team will likely aim to present new arguments or highlight perceived flaws in the initial ruling to convince the appellate court to overturn the acquittal. The outcome of this appeal could have significant implications for accountability within sports organisations in India.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
