Vinesh Phogat calls Brij Bhushan goon and criminal, vows to fight in Supreme Court

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Tuesday launched a fresh attack on former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, calling him a “goon and a criminal” and vowing to continue the legal battle against him in the Supreme Court.

Phogat, 31, made the remarks while speaking to reporters in Jind on the sidelines of a political programme. Her comments came just weeks after a Delhi court acquitted Singh in the sexual harassment case involving women wrestlers, a verdict that has been challenged by the complainants.

“Who is Brij Bhushan? Forget about him. He is a goon and a criminal. Why should we give so much respect to that man?” the former World Championship bronze medallist said.

“How many people have been troubled in Gonda? How much land has he encroached upon? We will fight this battle in the Supreme Court and take it forward. Where does he fly in helicopters? Where did all this money come from?” the Asian Games gold medallist



added.

The remarks come against the backdrop of a long-running legal battle that began after leading women wrestlers, including Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, publicly accused Singh of sexual harassment in 2023. The protests triggered a Supreme Court intervention, following which Delhi Police registered an FIR and later filed a chargesheet against the former WFI chief.

In May 2024, the Rouse Avenue Court had found sufficient material to frame charges against Singh for sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of women in connection with five complainants, while criminal intimidation charges were also framed in relation to two wrestlers. Singh had pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations.

However, on August 3, 2026, the same court acquitted Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar. Reports on the judgment said the court found that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt and described the allegations as politically motivated and appearing fabricated.