‘Akhada, political links’: Brij Bhushan reacts to acquittal, alleges conspiracy

Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh reacted to his acquittal in a sexual harassment case involving women wrestlers on Monday, alleging a conspiracy and political links. In an interview with ANI, Singh claimed that the court's observations had highlighted connections between the complainants, a specific wrestling akhada, and political groups.

The akhada in question is closely associated with the Hooda family. Singh noted that athletes from this akhada were the primary witnesses, rather than wrestlers from other akhadas across Haryana. He also mentioned that two of the wrestlers who made allegations provided testimonies during the proceedings, which the court recorded and formed the basis of its verdict.

Singh questioned the consistency of the addresses mentioned by the complainants, alleging that all wrestlers, despite hailing from various districts, listed the same address: Bajrang Punia's residence in Sonipat. He further alleged a political involvement, stating that the Hooda family was the first to emerge in connection with the case.

The Rouse Avenue Court had earlier observed that the allegations against Bhushan appeared to be politically motivated and fabricated, noting that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations and that prosecution witnesses turned hostile during the trial.