---
title: "Vinesh Phogat and Fellow Wrestlers Vow to Challenge Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh Acquittal"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/vinesh-phogat-and-fellow-wrestlers-vow-to-challenge-brij-bhushan-sharan-singh-ac-eytm0
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: India
published: 2026-08-03T08:49:43.000Z
modified: 2026-08-03T10:02:03.110Z
language: en-IN
---

# Vinesh Phogat and Fellow Wrestlers Vow to Challenge Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh Acquittal

Following a Delhi court's decision to acquit former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, prominent athletes have announced an immediate legal appeal. Vinesh Phogat expressed deep disappointment, alleging systemic efforts to protect the former MP throughout the proceedings.

## Key takeaways

- Vinesh Phogat and other female wrestlers are filing an immediate appeal against the acquittal of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
- A Delhi court cleared both Singh and his aide Vinod Tomar of all charges on August 3, 2026.
- Phogat alleged that systemic pressure and intimidation were used to influence complainants throughout the legal process.
- The original charges involved allegations of sexual harassment at WFI offices and international trips between 2016 and 2019.

## Grapplers Prepare Legal Challenge Against Court Ruling

Vinesh Phogat and a group of elite female wrestlers have instructed their legal counsel to file an appeal against the acquittal of former Member of Parliament Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The decision comes after a Delhi court cleared Singh and his associate, Vinod Tomar, of sexual harassment charges on August 3, 2026. Phogat confirmed via social media that the athletes intend to pursue the case in a higher court as quickly as possible, maintaining that their quest for justice remains active despite this setback.

## Allegations of Systemic Interference

Phogat voiced serious concerns regarding the integrity of the investigative process, claiming that government machinery worked to shield the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president. The wrestler highlighted the immense difficulty of initiating the legal process, noting the courage required to file a First Information Report (FIR) against a high-profile figure within the ruling party. According to Phogat, Singh utilized his influence to intimidate several complainants into withdrawing their names from the case. While some withdrew, others continued the legal battle that led to the recent trial.

### Origins of the Conflict

The legal dispute emerged from months of high-profile demonstrations in New Delhi throughout 2023. Athletes including Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Sangeeta Phogat occupied public spaces to demand Singh's arrest. The allegations spanned a timeframe between 2016 and 2019, with incidents reportedly occurring at: - The official WFI office in the capital. - The private residence of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. - Various international locations during wrestling tours. Despite the acquittal of Singh and Tomar, Phogat emphasized that the wrestlers have not lost hope. The athletes continue to assert that the harassment took place, involving multiple women grapplers and, initially, a minor, though the court ultimately found the evidence insufficient for a conviction in this instance.

Source: The Hindu — National

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/vinesh-phogat-and-fellow-wrestlers-vow-to-challenge-brij-bhushan-sharan-singh-ac-eytm0
Reported from: The Hindu — National