'The Entire System Has Been Protecting Since Starting,' Claims Vinesh Phogat Over Acquittal Of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

The acquittal of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the sexual harassment case has angered Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who has stated that the women wrestlers will not give up and will appeal the Delhi court's decision.

Almost three years after the protests by India's finest wrestlers which shocked the nation came to end today. It is considered as one of the most carefully watched judicial disputes in Indian sport. Vinesh, however, claimed that the "entire system" had served to protect Brij Bhushan in a statement that was shared on social media on Monday. She also promised to pursue the legal dispute.

Vinesh wrote, "It took a great deal of courage for us to take to the streets and get an FIR registered against a powerful leader of the ruling party. Using his political influence and muscle power, Brij Bhushan intimidated several women into withdrawing their complaints."

She continued, "But many women wrestlers stood firm and continued to fight the legal battle against Brij Bhushan in court. We are deeply disappointed that the court did not find Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh guilty of the allegations of sexual harassment made by the women wrestlers."

Additionally, Vinesh claimed that the establishment had shielded the former head of WFI during the proceedings. She added, "From the very beginning, the entire system, the government, and the establishment have been working to protect Brij Bhushan."

Bajrang Punia, who participated actively in the 2023 protest alongside Vinesh, shared the identical post on his account to express his disgust of the ruling.

The Olympian verified that the complainants had already given their attorneys instructions to contest the acquittal in a higher court. She remarked, "The women wrestlers have instructed their lawyers to appeal against this verdict, and the appeal will be filed at the earliest. We have not lost hope, and the wrestlers will continue their fight."

The issue took the limelight as months after Vinesh made it public and she was one of the six complainants in the case. Citing Supreme Court norms protecting the identity of survivors of sexual harassment, she had previously stated that she decided not to reveal her identity during the trial.