Ace wrestler and Olympian Vinesh Phogat on Monday alleged that she was sexually assaulted by BJP strongman Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, revealing that she was one of the six women who filed a formal complaint against the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president.
“Three years ago, we raised our voices against sexual harassment. Six women wrestlers have already testified before the court. I did not want to speak while the case is still pending, but I want to tell you all today: I myself am one of those six victims who filed a complaint, and our testimonies are still ongoing,” Phogat said in a video posted on X.
She further alleged that despite Singh’s removal as WFI chief, he has publicly claimed to maintain a “stranglehold” on the federation.
Phogat, who is also a Congress MLA from Haryana, has also accused the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of being a mute spectator.
The wrestler-politician also raised concerns over the upcoming National Open Ranking Tournament scheduled to be held in Gonda, a stronghold of Brij Bhushan Singh, saying that if any untoward incident happens with her or her team then “the government and the Sports Ministry will be held responsible.”
“I will also be attending the ranking competition; my team and my well-wishers will be there with me. If any untoward incident happens to anyone, I want to make it clear to everyone: the government will be held directly responsible,” she added.