The Delhi court’s decision to accept the cancellation report filed nearly two years ago in the POCSO case against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and ex-BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has sparked widespread criticism.
Delhi Police have registered two FIRs against BJP MP and WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment allegations of sexual harassment made by six women wrestlers, one of which pertains to a minor wrestler and is filed under the POCSO Act.
That case stemmed from a complaint lodged in April 2023 by the father of a minor girl, accusing Singh of sexual harassment, stalking, and criminal intimidation.
However, just over a month later, the girl retracted her allegations before a magistrate.
On June 15, 2023, the police filed a 550-page report requesting the cancellation of the POCSO case against Singh after the minor and her father withdrew their allegations against him in a fresh statement before a magistrate.
In June 2023, the girl’s father told The Hindu that he changed his statement “not because of greed but because I was scared… scared for my family, daughter and myself”.
Four out of the six female athletes who have levelled allegations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan, also submitted audio and video evidence in support of their claims.
Following the court’s verdict, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s supporters celebrated with fireworks at the old BJP office in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, and organised a grand welcome for the rape-accused leader at Ayodhya airport, despite him being free in only one case.
Reacting to the Delhi court’s decision, Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad said, “Courts, judgments, administrations, judiciary, media, and democracy are the pillars of today’s society. Everyone must respect and follow the orders of the courts, and they should be upheld and implemented properly for the welfare of all.”
After the closure, Brij Bhushan’s son Karan Bhushan wrote on X, “This is a decisive victory of justice and truth! Truth can be troubled, but not defeated. Long live the judiciary, long live Netaji!”
Social media erupted in outrage over the court’s decision, with many alleging that Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh had threatened the victim and her family, a claim previously raised by wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik in their last press conference.
“Who would dare to take on such a goon backed by both the central and state governments?” one user wrote, reflecting the widespread public anger.
Calling it a “trendsetting case,” journalist Saba Naqvi said, “Congratulations to all men who get away with groping and harassment. This is a trendsetting case !”
Sandeep Manudhane said, “How can women of India complain against molesters and rapists when the regime protects their own so shamelessly? Society has to speak up. It’s eating us from within now.”
“This is unacceptable. This is not India,” he added.
Critic Ajay Kamath said, “The denouement in the Brij Bhushan case is a stark reminder of the fact that women who are abused have literally no agency in India.”
“Why will any woman come forward to speak against her molester if this is how it ends?,” he asked.
Some users pointed out that there is a common misconception that all cases filed by women wrestlers against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh have been closed, stating that only the POCSO case against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, involving a minor wrestler, has been closed, while the case filed by adult women wrestlers is still ongoing in Rouse Avenue Court, with charges framed and the trial underway.
In January 2023, prominent Indian wrestlers—including Sakshi Malik, 2020 Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia, and three-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Vinesh Phogat—protested against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of intimidation and sexual harassment.
Seven complainants, including a minor, alleged that the BJP leader demanded sexual favours in exchange for professional support on at least two occasions and reported 15 incidents of molestation and other forms of harassment.
Following the uproar, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was forced to step down as Wrestling Federation of India chief, and an ad-hoc committee was appointed to manage the federation’s affairs.
India’s top wrestler, Sakshi Malik, has quit the sport in protest after Sanjay Singh, a close aide of former chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, was elected president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
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