100 SUVs, 1000 supporters: Ex-WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh gets hero's welcome in Ayodhya - ‘I said it was a lie’

Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and ex-BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was given a hero’s welcome in Ayodhya on Tuesday, a day after a Delhi court accepted the police closure report in a sexual harassment case under the Pocso Act filed by a minor wrestler.

Thousands of supporters and over 100 SUVs gathered at Ayodhya airport to celebrate Singh’s return in what appeared to be a show of strength, The Times of India reported.

Speaking to the media, Singh said, “Truth can be troubled but not defeated. I have great faith in Lord Hanuman, the judiciary and myself. When the allegations were made on January 18, 2023, I said it was a lie. Today, I stand vindicated.”

The case, filed by the father of a minor wrestler, was closed by the court on Monday after police found no evidence to proceed.

The former MP urged the government to review laws meant to protect people from harassment, saying they are sometimes misused to target individuals unfairly. "These laws are not the problem, but their misuse is. I appeal to the government to take steps to prevent such misuse,” he said.

Speaking from the holy city of Ayodhya, Singh said it was fitting that his demand for change begins from this land. “From this sacred place, I want to tell the government - don’t scrap the laws, but review them to ensure they aren’t used as weapons against the innocent,” he said.

Recalling his past connection with the wrestling community, Singh added, “The athletes who accused me used to call me the god of wrestling. They came to my house, I went to their weddings and festivals. I have no regrets about what I’ve lost.”