The Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation (CPIML) and the All India Progressive Women's Association (AIPWA) have strongly condemned the acquittal of former BJP MP and former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the sexual harassment case filed by women wrestlers, calling the verdict a travesty of justice.
Both organisations stated that the judgment exposes the failure of the system to deliver justice to women athletes who brought honour to the country through their achievements but were forced to undertake a long struggle for accountability and dignity.
AIPWA: Government Protected the Accused Instead of Supporting Women Wrestlers
In its statement, AIPWA said that from the very beginning, the government was committed to protecting those accused of sexually harassing women athletes who had won medals for India and enhanced the country’s standing across the world.
AIPWA said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah stood behind Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and the entire government machinery worked against the women wrestlers who were demanding justice.
The organisation pointed out that the wrestlers had to struggle for the registration of an FIR against Brij Bhushan. Even after the FIR was registered, the investigation process failed to ensure effective evidence collection, resulting in the acquittal.
AIPWA said that expecting the government to challenge the verdict in a higher court would be meaningless. However, it emphasised that the historic struggle of the women wrestlers has given confidence and direction to women across the country fighting against sexual harassment and injustice.
The organisation expressed complete solidarity with Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and other wrestlers who led the movement.
CPIML: Verdict Reflects Political Patronage and Protection of Powerful Leaders
CPIML stated that the acquittal of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh by a Delhi court is not only deeply unjust but also exposes the system of political patronage through which powerful leaders continue to receive protection and immunity.
The party said that the BJP’s claims of women’s empowerment have repeatedly been exposed by cases such as Hathras, Unnao, and Manipur, as well as by the harassment faced by women protesters raising their voices against those in power.
CPIML said that the case against Brij Bhushan was weakened from the beginning through delayed FIR registration, an Oversight Committee process that lacked independence, and open political support extended to Brij Bhushan by BJP leaders in Uttar Pradesh.
At the same time, the party stated that the women wrestlers who came forward demanding justice faced public humiliation, online attacks, and police repression when they protested on the streets.
Wrestlers Challenged an Entire System of Power
CPIML praised the courage of Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and other wrestlers, stating that their struggle was not merely against one individual but against an entire system of political protection and institutional failure. The party said that despite facing immense pressure, the wrestlers demonstrated extraordinary courage and inspired women across the country to fight for justice, dignity, and equality.
CPIML and AIPWA reiterated their commitment to continue the struggle for women’s rights, accountability, and justice, stating that the wrestlers’ movement will remain a significant chapter in the democratic struggle against injustice.
