Brij Bhushan Singh gets grand welcome in Gonda with ‘Sher aaya’ chants, flower petals after acquittal in wrestlers’ case

Brij Bhushan Singh Gets Grand Welcome in Gonda After Wrestlers’ Case Acquittal

Theindiapostdaily.com – Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha member from Gonda’s Kaisarganj constituency, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh received a grand reception on Thursday as he returned to his home district following his acquittal in the sexual harassment case brought by wrestlers. Singh arrived at Ayodhya’s international airport via a chartered flight, where enthusiastic supporters welcomed him with traditional drums, music, and celebratory chants, according to PTI reports.

Thousands of well-wishers lined the route from the airport, with flower petals being showered on his convoy using excavators. As hundreds of vehicles followed his procession, supporters raised slogans of “Sher Aaya” (the lion has arrived) while fireworks illuminated the sky during the grand welcome. In neighboring Ayodhya, Singh traveled in an open jeep to the Hanumangarhi temple, where he offered prayers from outside the shrine and sought blessings from local seers.

Family and Supporters Celebrate the Verdict

During the procession, his elder son and Gonda Sadar MLA Prateek Bhushan Singh stood through the vehicle’s sunroof, waving a mace while declaring that “truth has prevailed.” After visiting Hanumangarhi, Singh proceeded to the Nandini Nagar Sports Stadium, where a large rally titled “Satyamev Jayate” was organized. Before reaching the venue, he also offered special prayers at the Nandini Gaumata temple, with extensive arrangements including a community feast prepared for the event.

Around 40 quintals of laddoos were prepared, while more than 500 batuks from Ayodhya were invited to welcome Singh. “Upon reaching Hanumangarhi Temple (Ayodhya Dham), we had darshan and performed worship of Lord Bajrangbali Maharaj and received His divine blessings..! Jai Bajrang Bali,” Singh shared on X. The former WFI chief described the sexual harassment allegations made against him by six women wrestlers as politically driven, claiming that the controversy was limited to accusations of “good touch” and “bad touch” and did not involve anything beyond that.

Singh’s Defense and Acquittal Details

Speaking at the “Satyamev Jayate” felicitation programme at Nandini Nagar College in Gonda after his acquittal by a Delhi court, the 69-year-old said, “I did not pull anyone’s sari. There may have been physical contact while putting medals around the wrestlers’ necks, which created a storm. The allegations against me were politically motivated.” He explained that he could have brought the matter to an end by giving in to pressure but decided against doing so.

“Had I bowed down in this case, the matter would have ended, but my character would have been assassinated,” Singh said, emphasizing that the protest against him was unlike any other. He claimed that no sexual harassment-related movement anywhere in the world had reached such a scale, noting that even there was no such movement against US President Donald Trump or against any person accused of rape anywhere in the world.

A Delhi court at Rouse Avenue on Monday acquitted Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar in the sexual harassment case filed by women wrestlers. The allegations against Singh emerged in April-May 2023, after women wrestlers staged a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, accusing the then WFI chief of sexually harassing athletes. World Championships medallist Vinesh Phogat, along with wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, led the 36-day protest that drew widespread attention across India.

What Happened Next: The Path to Acquittal

The legal proceedings against Brij Bhushan Singh got grand attention as the case moved through various stages. The wrestlers’ protest at Jantar Mantar became one of the most significant sports-related demonstrations in recent Indian history. The Delhi court’s final verdict cleared Singh of all charges, marking the end of a lengthy legal battle that had captivated the nation.

Following his acquittal, Singh’s return to Gonda was celebrated as a victory for his supporters. The grand welcome with flower petals, drums, and “Sher Aaya” chants reflected the strong support base he maintains in his constituency. Political observers noted that the acquittal could strengthen Singh’s position within the BJP and potentially influence future political developments in Uttar Pradesh.

FAQ: Common Questions About the Case

When was Brij Bhushan Singh acquitted? The Delhi court at Rouse Avenue acquitted him on Monday following a lengthy trial.

How many wrestlers filed the case? Six women wrestlers filed the sexual harassment case against him.

Who led the Jantar Mantar protest? World Championships medallist Vinesh Phogat, along with Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, led the 36-day protest.

What was the outcome of the legal proceedings? Both Brij Bhushan Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar were acquitted in the case.