Wrestlers renew protest, demand sexual harassment case against WFI head

Seven female wrestlers have filed a complained with the Delhi Police alleging sexual harassment by Singh – a BJP MP.

| Updated: 24 April, 2023 9:56 am IST

Wrestlers allege Delhi Police did not register an FIR despite their written complaint.

New Delhi: Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik launched their protest again on Sunday, demanding an FIR for sexual harassment against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brijbhushan Singh.

Seven female wrestlers have filed a complained with the Delhi Police alleging sexual harassment by Singh – a BJP MP. The protesters spent Sunday night at Jantar Mantar.

The Indian wrestling heavyweights have also demanded that the findings of the oversight committee set up by the government in January be made public. The committee was set up to probe allegations against Singh following the first round of protests by the wrestlers.

Interacting with media persons, Sakshi Malik said, “We have again come here with the same demand as the committee formed by the Sports Ministry has not given the result so far. We have now filed a complaint against WFI chief Brijbhushan at Connaught Place police station but no FIR is registered so far. We want action against him.”

She also informed that seven female wrestlers who have filed the complaint include a minor.

“It has been more than two months since the committee was set up but the findings are yet to be made public,” she rued.

*Protesting wrestlers spent Sunday night at Jantar Mantar.*

Vinesh Phogat said: “Wherever we go, people make us feel that our allegations against Brijbhushan Ji were fake. But it was all true. The oversight committee report is yet to come out. We want to get its findings.”

She vowed not to go back home till their demands are met.

As the evening grew into night on Sunday, police officers requested the wrestlers to end their protest and leave Jantar Mantar as they were allowed to stage their protest till 6 pm only. But they refused to budge.

On Monday morning, Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia said that their protest was open to taking support of any political party or group.

“This time, all parties are welcome to join our protest – whether it is BJP, Congress, AAP or any other party. When we win medals for the country, people from all parties come to congratulate us,” he said.