Delhi court clean chit to Brij Bhushan in POCSO case involving minor wrestler

A Delhi court on Monday accepted a closure report filed by the Delhi Police in a sexual harassment case lodged against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act on the allegations of a wrestler when she was a minor.

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The case had taken a dramatic turn in 2023 when the minor’s father admitted midway through the investigation that the complaint had been fabricated. He said the allegations were made to get back at Brij Bhushan for what he perceived as unfair treatment of his daughter.

The Delhi Police, after investigating the matter, stated that no corroborative evidence was found and recommended dropping the case. The report was filed on June 15, 2023. During an in-chamber hearing on August 1, 2023, the girl told the judge that she was satisfied with the police’s investigation and had no objection to the case being closed.

On Monday, Additional Sessions Judge Gomti Manocha accepted the police’s recommendation, stating, "Cancellation accepted." Despite being cleared in this case, Brij Bhushan continues to face legal proceedings in a separate case filed by six senior women wrestlers, who have accused him of sexual harassment, stalking and criminal intimidation. The charges in that case include IPC sections 354, 354-A, 354-D and 506.

The allegations against Brij Bhushan had triggered a massive wave of protests in 2023, led by some of the country’s most accomplished wrestlers, including Olympic medallists Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, and world championship medallist Vinesh Phogat. The wrestlers accused Brij Bhushan of repeated sexual misconduct and demanded accountability from sports authorities. Their movement drew nationwide attention and highlighted the need for stronger safeguards for athletes within Indian sporting institutions.

Brij Bhushan, a former BJP MP, has consistently denied all allegations made against him.