Former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh hails acquittal, cites akhada and political links

Former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh reacted to his acquittal in a sexual-harassment case by emphasizing the court’s observations about alleged links among the complainants, a particular wrestling akhada, and political actors. He asserted that the akhada, associated with the Hooda family, produced most of the athletes mentioned in the judgment. Singh highlighted that two wrestlers gave detailed testimonies inside the judge’s chambers, which the court recorded before delivering its decision.

He also noted that the wrestlers, though from various districts, all used the same address - the residence of wrestler Bajrang Punia in Sonipat - in their complaints. Additionally, Singh claimed the Hooda family was the first political faction to surface in connection with the case and said they would watch the family’s next move. The magistrate’s ruling found the allegations politically motivated, with prosecution witnesses turning hostile and the case lacking proof. The judgment itself has not been made public.