NEW DELHI, SEP 28 (IANS): A Delhi court has issued notices to former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and former Assistant Secretary Vinod Tomar on an appeal filed by four women wrestlers challenging their acquittal in a sexual harassment and intimidation case. The Rouse Avenue Sessions Court directed both to respond by October 9. The appeal contests the August 3 judgment that acquitted Singh and Tomar, arguing that the trial court incorrectly assessed evidence and failed to uphold the law. The wrestlers also seek to overturn Tomar’s acquittal on charges of criminal intimidation under Section 506 Part I of the IPC.
The case stems from January 2023, when wrestlers including Olympians Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia staged protests at Jantar Mantar, demanding Singh’s resignation and dissolution of the WFI. Following complaints, the IOA formed an inquiry panel led by sportspersons like Mary Kom and Yogeshwar Dutt, while the Union Sports Ministry suspended WFI’s functioning and sidelined Tomar. In May 2024, charges were framed against Singh and Tomar for sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of five women wrestlers.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026