Indian court acquits former wrestling chief of sexual harassment

An Indian court on Monday acquitted the former head of the country's wrestling federation of sexual harassment and stalking charges brought by female athletes.

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a former lawmaker from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had denied allegations that he groped wrestlers and demanded sexual favors.

Singh's lawyer Rajiv Mohan said the New Delhi court found "inconsistencies" in witness statements and "contradictions on major issues."

"I had complete faith that justice would be done," Singh told reporters after the verdict. "I never considered myself a criminal at all."

Supporters celebrated outside the court by setting off firecrackers, showering Singh with flower petals and offering him sweets.

Leading female wrestler Vinesh Phogat said the women would challenge the ruling in a higher court and continue their legal fight.

"It took a great deal of courage for us to take to the streets and get a complaint registered against a powerful leader of the ruling party," she wrote on X.

The allegations triggered months of protests in New Delhi in 2023, led by prominent athletes including Phogat, Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik and Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia.

Hundreds joined sit-in demonstrations accusing authorities of failing to act against Singh.

Malik later retired from wrestling in protest, while Punia returned one of India's highest civilian honors.

Delhi police charged Singh in 2023 after sustained pressure from the protesting wrestlers.

A court formally brought charges against him in 2024 over allegations involving five women.

Singh completed his parliamentary term that year and was not selected to run again. The BJP instead fielded his son from the same constituency, which he won.