Vinesh Phogat brands Brij Bhushan 'goon and a criminal', vows to fight in Supreme Court

Vinesh Phogat on Tuesday in Jind, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a political programme, described former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh as "a goon and a criminal" and said she would pursue the legal battle in the Supreme Court.

Phogat, 31, made the remarks weeks after a Delhi court acquitted Singh in the sexual harassment case brought by several women wrestlers; the complainants have challenged that verdict. The accusation campaign that began in 2023 saw leading women wrestlers, including Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, publicly level allegations against Singh and prompted Supreme Court intervention and a Delhi Police FIR and chargesheet.

"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 when questioned by reporters in Jind.

"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 legal process has been prolonged: in May 2024 the Rouse Avenue Court found sufficient material to frame charges against Singh for sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of women in connection with five complainants, and also framed criminal intimidation charges in relation to two wrestlers. Singh pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations throughout the proceedings.

On August 3, 2026 the same court acquitted Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar; reports on the judgment said the court found the prosecution had failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt and characterised the allegations as politically motivated and appearing fabricated. Phogat and the other wrestlers have rejected the acquittal and indicated they intend to challenge the verdict.

Singh, who has consistently denied the allegations, was replaced as Wrestling Federation of India chief after his term ended in 2024; the complainants have lodged a challenge to the Delhi court's acquittal and Phogat has vowed to take the matter to the Supreme Court.