A Delhi court has cleared Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former chief of India’s wrestling federation, in a sexual harassment case filed by a minor female wrestler, accepting a police report recommending the cancellation of the charges.

Singh, a former Member of Parliament from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), still faces separate charges of sexual harassment and stalking brought by six adult female wrestlers.

The controversial cases brought global attention in 2023 following months of high-profile protests by some of India’s top wrestlers. The unrest peaked when Olympic medallists Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, along with two-time world champion medallist Vinesh Phogat, were detained while attempting to march to India’s new parliament building in Delhi. Footage of the athletes being dragged by police sparked national outrage and drew condemnation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which called for an impartial probe.

Despite mounting pressure, Singh — who denied all allegations and claimed the accusations were politically motivated — remained largely shielded by the government, drawing criticism for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.

Seven female wrestlers had initially come forward, accusing Singh of molestation during training camps and tournaments. In the case involving the minor, Delhi Police invoked the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

However, weeks after the case was filed, the minor retracted her allegations. According to Bar and Bench, both the wrestler and her father appeared in court and expressed satisfaction with the investigation. The father admitted to making a false complaint, and the court was told there was “no corroborative evidence” supporting the claims.

While this case has now been formally closed, Singh remains under legal scrutiny in the ongoing case involving the six adult wrestlers.

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