New Delhi witnessed a significant development on Saturday as top wrestlers of India, who have been protesting against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the BJP MP and chief of the country’s wrestling federation, met with Home Minister Amit Shah. The wrestlers expressed their demands for an impartial investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment made against Singh by seven female wrestlers, including a minor.
Olympian Bajrang Punia, one of the prominent wrestlers leading the protest, informed that the meeting with the Home Minister took place late in the evening at his residence in Delhi. The discussions lasted for over an hour and included Punia, Sakshee Malikkh, Sangita Phogat, and Satyawart Kadian.
During the meeting, the wrestlers reiterated their plea for a fair investigation and swift action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. In response, Amit Shah assured them that the law applies equally to all individuals, emphasizing that they should allow the legal process to run its course.
Sources revealed that the wrestlers had sought this meeting with Amit Shah after the expiration of their five-day ultimatum for action against the wrestling federation chief on Saturday. Dissatisfied with the perceived lack of attention given to their protest against Singh, the wrestlers had previously threatened to immerse their medals into the river Ganga in Haridwar. However, they temporarily postponed this plan following intervention from farmer leader Naresh Tikait.
The Delhi Police had previously accused the protesting wrestlers of rioting during their march to the new parliament, stating that they had disregarded repeated requests to abide by the law. The sight of champions Vinesh Phogat and her cousin Sangeeta Phogat being forcibly restrained by the police had sparked widespread shock and outrage across the country.
As the wrestlers continue their campaign for justice, the Delhi Police have filed two First Information Reports (FIRs) against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. One FIR is based on the combined complaints of six adult wrestlers, while the other stems from the father of an underage wrestler who filed a separate complaint.
Facing mounting pressure for his arrest, Singh has issued a defiant statement refuting all charges. He boldly declared that if any allegations against him are proven, he would take his own life. Furthermore, Singh expressed his willingness to undergo a narco test or polygraph test to substantiate his claims.
The wrestlers’ protest has garnered increased support, with farmers from Haryana joining their cause. Internationally, the United World Wrestling (UWW), the governing body of the sport, released a statement condemning the detention of the wrestlers and criticizing the perceived lack of progress in the investigations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The UWW reminded the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) of its commitment to hold fresh elections for the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) within 45 days and cautioned that failure to do so could result in the suspension of the federation.
As the situation unfolds, further updates will be provided regarding the progress of the investigation and any actions taken by the authorities in response to the wrestlers’ demands.
Sources by Agencies
