‘He is a goon and a criminal’: Vinesh Phogat’s sharp attack on Brij Bhushan Singh

Congress leader and wrestler Vinesh Phogat delivered a strong rebuke of former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Singh on Tuesday. She branded him a "goon and a criminal" and accused the BJP of backing him, despite accusations of sexual harassment against Singh by female wrestlers. Phogat, a bronze medallist at the World Championship and a gold medallist at the Asian Games, made her remarks while speaking to reporters in Jind during a political event.

Her criticisms of Singh have been ongoing, particularly in response to his involvement in a wrestlers' protest in 2023.

Phogat questioned Singh's influence, alleging that residents of his political stronghold in Gonda had suffered because of his actions. She also raised concerns about his wealth, suggesting that he had engaged in land encroachment. Phogat stated that she and her team would pursue legal action in the Supreme Court to address these issues. She further alleged that Singh's wealth and influence were being used to target women, and that the BJP was supporting him.

Phogat pointed out that Singh had used his money and influence to perpetrate atrocities against women. She asserted that the BJP was supporting him through financial means. The wrestler highlighted the parallel between the treatment of protesting wrestlers in 2023 and the police actions witnessed during recent protests. She recalled the police's hostile behavior towards her and other female wrestlers three years ago, and drew a comparison to the treatment of women protesters at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.