In a significant development, a Delhi court has ruled in favor of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, clearing the former head of India’s wrestling federation of sexual harassment charges related to an alleged incident involving a minor. The court's decision was based on a Delhi police recommendation to dismiss the case. Although Singh remains under scrutiny for separate allegations from six adult female wrestlers, this ruling marks a critical point in ongoing controversies surrounding him.
The controversies began in 2023 when allegations arose, leading to large protests by prominent Indian wrestlers. These demonstrations received global attention, especially after police intervened while the athletes attempted to march to parliament. Despite the outcry and calls for a thorough investigation from entities such as the International Olympic Committee, Singh has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Notably, after the case involving the minor was reassessed, the allegations were retracted, with her father stating the initial report was false. The police found no supportive evidence during their investigations, leading to the court's dismissal of the case. It is reported that during this tumultuous period, Singh stepped down temporarily as the federation’s chief, although allegations of him operating through a proxy persisted. The wrestling federation was subsequently suspended but later resumed normal operations after a ban was lifted.
The controversies began in 2023 when allegations arose, leading to large protests by prominent Indian wrestlers. These demonstrations received global attention, especially after police intervened while the athletes attempted to march to parliament. Despite the outcry and calls for a thorough investigation from entities such as the International Olympic Committee, Singh has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Notably, after the case involving the minor was reassessed, the allegations were retracted, with her father stating the initial report was false. The police found no supportive evidence during their investigations, leading to the court's dismissal of the case. It is reported that during this tumultuous period, Singh stepped down temporarily as the federation’s chief, although allegations of him operating through a proxy persisted. The wrestling federation was subsequently suspended but later resumed normal operations after a ban was lifted.
