Brijbhushan Sharan Singh Acquitted | Wrestling Federation Harassment Case

The way I was called a rapist, it would have been better if they had just shot me. It wouldn’t have been so painful then.

Saying this, the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, became emotional while speaking on his acquittal in the wrestlers’ sexual harassment case. On 3 August, the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi acquitted him in the sexual harassment case of women wrestlers.

In an exclusive interview with ‘Dainik Bhaskar’, Brijbhushan Singh spoke openly about his future political strategy, the allegations made by women wrestlers, and his testimony in court. He said, “It’s difficult to fight such allegations. I was broken. The children who were lured into preparing for the case later exposed the truth themselves.” Read Brijbhushan Singh’s full interview-

Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, after the court’s decision in the case related to women wrestlers, said – everything happened under a conspiracy.

Two women wrestlers retracted their allegations in court, did this prove helpful?

Brijbhushan: Yes, it helped a lot, because she herself was a victim. All the victims were from different places. But everyone’s address somehow connects to one place. Everyone’s address was Bajrang Punia’s residence, Sonipat. The judge also asked why everyone’s address was Sonipat? How many people live in one flat? They had no answer.

Actually, lawyers used to sit at Bajrang Punia’s residence, judges used to sit. They were trained, their statements were taken. All these things were presented before the judge and the court by two of those victims, who are players.

You were called a rapist, politicians also targeted you by name?

Brijbhushan: Look, this accusation that was made against me… (gets emotional). Karan Bhushan’s (Brijbhushan’s son) statement just came out, you must have seen it. How broken he was. We were also broken, but now that things have come to light, we had to fight them. I fought and today I have emerged spotless.

But the way I was called a rapist, that was painful. A boastful MP (Chandrashekhar Azad) used to say that he would drag me from Bishnoharpur (Brijbhushan’s village). Fortunately, the Khap Panchayat (Haryana) did not give the order, otherwise, the poor fellow would have dragged me away. So many big-mouthed people had come forward. Now someone should ask them if they will drag me or not.

After being acquitted by the court, when Brijbhushan Sharan Singh reached home, supporters showered him with flowers. People from many surrounding districts came to welcome him.

When you were acquitted by the court, ‘Dabdaba Hai’ (It’s Dominance) posters were put up in Gonda, is that correct?

Brijbhushan: It’s not dominance… I studied in Gorakhpur. When I came to Ayodhya, I did student union politics. For 55 years, I have never turned away from the public and their problems. That was the result that people from all over the state came to meet me in two days. This is not dominance. This is my influence.

Do you wish to go to Parliament again?

Brijbhushan: Whatever I claim in politics, there is a sentiment behind it. I was removed, removed through a conspiracy. Therefore, I have a desire that the house from which I came, in a way, disgraced, I should go back to that house once with a clean slate. This is my wish. Now, whatever the rest of the party wishes, it will do.

When the allegations were made, you were an MP from Kaiserganj. Will you contest the election from there again?

Brijbhushan: Nothing is impossible in politics. If I have to contest the election, the party will decide.

What is Mahadev Academy, who do you hold responsible behind the allegations?

Brijbhushan: The masterminds, founders, and collaborators of the academy are Bhupinder and his son Deepender Hooda. No child was being prepared, so the guardian of each child was called and lured.

Someone was promised to be made Deputy SP and someone was promised to be made Inspector. They were also given money. Later, the children realized that they were being fooled, and then some of these children exposed them. There are 50 wrestling academies (akhadas) in Haryana, but no child from any other akhada came. One family and one akhada.

There were 44 people in the case, some came and some backed out?

Brijbhushan: Still, 32 witnesses came. Dates were set for about 127 days. I did not submit an application on any date, saying I couldn’t come. I was present on almost every date, and on one or two dates, I was present via video calling.

Neither our lawyer nor we took a single opportunity. They took six-month opportunities. The main conspirators took dates. Even after at least three-four notices, they came and then made an excuse, saying they couldn’t come for two months. The court heard their case with great patience. Because they wanted the case to drag on for a very long time, they knew the truth that this case would not stand in court, so they wanted to prolong it.

Accusations were made against you, but the sports world was defamed?

Brijbhushan: Although the accusation was against me, it was also against the world of sports. The incident was reported from India, but its impact was worldwide. Parents of every female wrestler, no matter which country they belonged to, were terrified because Olympic medal winners were calling themselves victims.

A World Champion and a woman who was number one in the world was calling herself a victim. This created a tense atmosphere for female athletes and their families worldwide. After the judgment came, everything became clear. I stood by my word from day one, and today that word has proven true.