Indian Sporting Legend Vinesh Phogat continued her fight against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh Sharan and labelled him a groon and criminal. She claimed the legal battle against him will continue and vowed to take the case against him to the Supreme Court (SC) of India.

Her comments come on the back of Delhi’s Rose Avenue Court handing Brij Bhushan a clean chit. The ex-WFI chief was accused in a sexual harassment case but acquitted by the trial court earlier this week. The case had come on the back of strong protests by leading Indian wrestlers, which included Phogat as well as Olympic medallists Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia.

Phogat spoke to reporters on the sidelines of a political event in Jind and promised to continue fighting against him on the legal front in higher courts.

“Who is Brij Bhushan? Forget about him. He is a goon and a criminal. Why should we give so much respect to that man? How many people have been troubled in Gonda? How much land has he encroached upon? We will fight this battle in the Supreme Court and take it forward. Where does he fly in helicopters? Where did all this money come from?,” said Phogat.

“On the strength of money, atrocities are committed against girls. This is the reality of the BJP. The BJP is supporting him. Three years ago, the way the police behaved with us, we saw the same behaviour with our daughters at Jantar Mantar in Delhi,” Phogat added.

Meanwhile, after his acquittal last week, Brij Bhushan had hit out at the wrestlers and claimed he was fighting for junior sportspersons.

“On the first day, when my first statement came, I had said that if any verdict or any charge is proven, I will hang myself. Today, the court acquitted me with honour. It is a matter of joy for my supporters and me. Today is a happy day. I said this was a conspiracy, and if any of the allegations against me are found to be true, I will hang myself. To this day, I’ve stood by that statement. Today, after almost three years, the court has honourably acquitted me,” said the ex-WFI head.

“I always stood up for those who were weak, those whose rights were violated. I had complete faith that justice would be done to me, and I never felt guilty. We were fighting for the junior athletes whose rights were being violated, and I am happy that we won that fight. There were demands for my hanging, demands to burn me alive. Now, those people should introspect. They will be answered when the time comes,” Brij Bhushan added.