Olympic medalist wrestler Vinesh Phogat has publicly revealed she is one of six alleged victims of sexual harassment by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). This statement, made recently, marks a significant development in the high-profile case that has drawn national and international attention to the governance of Indian wrestling.

Phogat's revelation directly links her to the ongoing allegations against Singh, which have been the subject of widespread protests by top Indian wrestlers for several months. Her statement provides a specific number of alleged victims from the athlete community, emphasizing the personal impact of the accusations.

The allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh first gained prominence in January 2023, when several leading Indian wrestlers, including Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, initiated a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The wrestlers demanded an investigation into the claims of sexual harassment, intimidation, and financial irregularities within the WFI, specifically targeting Singh.

Key details related to the case include:

  • Protests and Demands: Wrestlers intensified their demonstrations in April and May 2023, demanding Singh's arrest and comprehensive reforms within the WFI. The protests received broad support from various sections of society.
  • Legal Action: Following persistent demands and intervention from the Supreme Court, Delhi Police registered two First Information Reports (FIRs) against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in April 2023. One FIR was filed under sections pertaining to sexual harassment, while the second FIR was filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, based on allegations from a minor wrestler.
  • Formal Charges: In June 2023, Delhi Police filed a charge sheet against Singh. The charge sheet, filed under sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (sexual harassment), 354D (stalking), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, did not include charges under the POCSO Act, as the minor complainant and her father later withdrew their allegations.
  • Singh's Stance: Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has consistently denied all allegations leveled against him, asserting his innocence and claiming the protests were politically motivated.
  • Government Intervention: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports established an oversight committee to investigate the allegations against Singh and manage the daily affairs of the WFI temporarily.

The case has significantly impacted the Wrestling Federation of India, leading to the suspension of its operations and a delay in its elections. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and United World Wrestling (UWW) have also expressed concerns over the situation and have taken steps, including the suspension of the WFI due to delayed elections.

The public identification by Vinesh Phogat as an alleged victim adds a direct and personal dimension to the legal proceedings and the ongoing public discourse surrounding the case. The legal process, including judicial scrutiny of the filed charge sheet and potential further proceedings, remains ongoing. The resolution of these allegations is expected to have lasting implications for athlete safety and governance in Indian sports.