El tribunal indio absuelve al ex jefe de lucha libre en el caso de acoso sexual

A New Delhi court has acquitted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former chief of India’s Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), in a sexual harassment and stalking case brought forward by several female wrestlers. The verdict, delivered on Monday, concluded three years after the initial allegations surfaced and sparked intense public scrutiny and protests. Singh, a 69-year-old former politician affiliated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was charged in 2024. Though he completed his tenure that year and was not re-nominated, his son successfully contested the same constituency. Five women accused Singh of inappropriate physical contact and demands for sexual favors, claims he consistently denied. The court found inconsistencies in witness testimonies and contradictions on key points, which contributed to the acquittal. Singh’s legal representative, Rajiv Mohan, described the outcome as “honourably acquitted.” After the ruling, Singh’s supporters celebrated with fireworks and flower petals, chanting slogans in support of their leader. The case ignited weeks of demonstrations in early 2023, led by prominent female wrestlers such as world champion Vinesh Phogat and Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik. These athletes, along with hundreds of others, participated in a sit-in protest in New Delhi, calling for Singh’s resignation from the WFI. Their efforts drew national attention, particularly due to the visibility of the protests on social media platforms. Images of Phogat and other wrestlers being detained as they attempted to reach parliament became widely shared online. The controversy escalated further in December 2023, when Olympic wrestler Bajrang Punia returned one of India’s highest civilian honors in protest over Singh’s appointment as WFI chief. Similarly, Sakshi Malik decided to retire from competitive wrestling, citing her dissatisfaction with the leadership structure under Singh. These actions underscored the deepening tensions surrounding the case and highlighted the broader concerns within the sports community regarding accountability and ethical standards. Despite the court’s decision, the female wrestlers who initiated the case have vowed to challenge the verdict through an appeal. Vinesh Phogat stated on X that the legal process would commence “as soon as possible.” She emphasized that the group has not abandoned their cause, asserting that the wrestlers will persist in their struggle for justice. The ongoing legal battle reflects the complex interplay between individual rights, institutional power, and public expectations of accountability in high-profile cases involving figures of influence. As the appeal process begins, the situation remains fluid, with potential implications for both the individuals involved and the broader landscape of sports governance in India. The case continues to draw public interest, highlighting the challenges faced by activists seeking to hold powerful figures accountable in a system often perceived as resistant to change. The next steps will likely involve detailed legal arguments and possibly further public engagement, ensuring that the voices of those affected remain central to the narrative.