 "Explained: Why POCSO case against ex-WFI chief Brij Bhushan was cancelled")
A Delhi court on Monday accepted the Delhi Police’s cancellation report in the POCSO case filed by a minor against the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and ex-BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh .
The status of the case now reads “cancelled” and “case disposed.”
What was the POCSO case against Brij Bhushan?
In April 2023, the father of a minor girl wrestler filed a police complaint against Brij Bhushan Singh. He accused Singh of sexual harassment, stalking, and criminal intimidation. Since the girl was under 18 at the time, the case was registered under the POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences).
Why was the case cancelled?
Both the minor and her father took back their statements in front of a magistrate months after filing the complaint. The father later admitted he had filed a false case because he was upset about the way his daughter was being treated in the sport. After this, the Delhi police filed a cancellation report in June 2023. The report said there was no solid evidence to support the minor’s allegations.
What did the police investigation find?
According to PTI, over 20 witnesses were interviewed during the course of the investigation and call records were checked. Photos and videos from matches and events were also examined. The police could not find anything to prove the girl’s claims and filed for the cancellation of the case.
What did the court say?
On 26 May 2025, the Delhi court accepted the cancellation report. Additional Sessions Judge Gomti Manocha said, “Cancellation accepted.” Earlier, in August 2023, during a private court hearing, the minor had also told the judge that she had no objections to the Delhi police’s report and was satisfied with the investigation.
What about the other case against Brij Bhushan?
Even though this case has been cancelled, Brij Bhushan still faces another serious case. Six senior women wrestlers have accused him of sexual harassment. That case is still ongoing. The court officially framed charges against him in May 2024.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe court charged him under Sections 354A (sexual harassment), 354 (outraging modesty), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC. Charges were also filed against co-accused Vinod Tomar, former assistant secretary of the WFI.
Brij Bhushan was removed as WFI president following protests by top Indian wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik in 2023. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP did not give him a ticket. Instead, his son contested and won from his former constituency.
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