Vinesh Phogat labels Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh a criminal, vows Supreme Court appeal

Indian wrestler and Congress MLA Vinesh Phogat has launched a fresh verbal attack on former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, labeling him a ‘goon and a criminal.’ Speaking to reporters in Jind, Haryana, Phogat expressed her intention to challenge Singh’s recent acquittal in a Delhi court regarding sexual harassment charges.

Phogat criticized the respect afforded to Singh and raised questions regarding his wealth and alleged land encroachment in the Gonda region of Uttar Pradesh. She further accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of supporting him, alleging that power and money are used to facilitate the mistreatment of women.

The legal dispute stems from 2023, when prominent wrestlers, including Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, protested against Singh following allegations of sexual harassment. While a Rouse Avenue Court acquitted Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar on August 3, 2026, Phogat and other athletes have vowed to pursue the matter in the Supreme Court.