Wrestlers Resume Sit-In Protest at Jantar Mantar Against Sexual Harassment Allegations

Supreme Court issues notice to Delhi govt on complaint against WFI President, acknowledge the severity of the charges.
Wrestlers Resume Sit-In Protest at Jantar Mantar Against Sexual Harassment Allegations

India's top wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, have resumed their protest in front of the Jantar Mantar in Delhi against BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, whom they accuse of sexually harassing several athletes. The protest has entered its third day today. Earlier this year, the wrestlers had called off their protest in response to promises that a committee would investigate the claims. However, they have now stated that they will continue protesting at the location until the police file an FIR in the case.

Meanwhile on Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Delhi Government in response to a petition filed by prominent wrestlers, calling for a First Information Report (FIR) to be filed against Singh.

On Monday, Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia announced that the wrestlers are willing to have political parties join their campaign against Brij Bhushan Singh, the head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), unlike their previous protest. Punia stated that they are not affiliated with any political party and welcomed support from all parties, including the BJP, Congress, AAP, and others. He further added that when athletes win medals, the country's flag, not that of any political party, is raised.

The wrestlers have complained that the Delhi Police are not allowing home-cooked meals to be brought to the protest site. They also stated that they are unaware of who is backing the WFI President and how strong they are, but that they need support from the public. When speaking to The Mooknayak, they also mentioned the complaint filed against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Seven female wrestlers have lodged a complaint of sexual harassment against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at the Connaught Place police station in Central Delhi. The athletes, who are currently protesting against the alleged harassment, claim that no action has been taken yet and that they will continue their protests until the police file an FIR in the matter.

The wrestlers had previously suspended their protests in January after receiving what they deemed to be false assurances.

Protesting wrestlers move Supreme Court

As per news agency ANI,  wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia have petitioned the Supreme Court to file a police report, also known as an FIR, against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) head Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over alleged sexual harassment.

Earlier, in January, the Union Ministry, after hearing the wrestlers, had formed a five-member oversight committee with renowned boxer Mary Kom as its head to oversee WFI's daily operations. The committee was also given the task of investigating the allegations made against BJP leader Brij Bhushan. The committee was allotted one month to present its recommendations.

Sakshi Malik, one of the wrestlers protesting against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) head Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for alleged sexual harassment, expressed her disappointment that the report from the oversight committee established by the Union Ministry had not yet been made public.

"We want the report to be made public, which contains statements from female wrestlers. One of the complainants is a young girl, so it is a sensitive issue, and the complainants' names must not be disclosed," Malik said.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police stated that it has requested a report from the investigation committee established by the Sports Ministry into the matter, as reported by ANI.

Although the government panel investigating the allegations against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) head Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh submitted its report in the first week of April, the findings have not yet been made public by the ministry. Sources claim that the wrestlers were unable to substantiate their accusations of sexual harassment against the WFI head during several hearings.

On January 18, several wrestlers publicly complained about the federation, demanding a complete overhaul of its operations amid claims of mismanagement. Top wrestlers had declared that they would not compete until their demands were met.

Supreme Court issues notice to Delhi Govt.

On Tuesday, April 25, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Delhi Government in response to a petition filed by prominent wrestlers, calling for a First Information Report (FIR) to be filed against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, following serious allegations of sexual harassment, including that of a minor.

A bench consisting of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha took note of senior attorney Kapil Sibal's arguments that there has been no FIR filed despite the allegations of sexual harassment.

Wrestlers Resume Sit-In Protest at Jantar Mantar Against Sexual Harassment Allegations
[Dalit History Month Special] Record-Breaking Turnout Expected: 5 Lakh to Converge in Gandhinagar for Historic Dhamma Deeksha on Ambedkar Jayanti

Protesting wrestlers alleged that despite a police report being filed at the Connaught Place police station charging Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh with sexual assault on behalf of six women and a minor girl, no FIR had been lodged yet. Usually, in cases where the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act may be involved, the courts have directed the police to promptly respond and file an FIR.

Live Law reported that Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud noted that there was a remedy available under Section 156 of the Criminal Procedure Code, enabling them to approach the Police Superintendent after hearing Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal's arguments.

During the hearing at the Supreme Court, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal stated that the wrestlers were staging a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and highlighted that seven women, one being a minor, had lodged complaints of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, yet there has been no FIR registered yet. Sibal further stated that the court's rules have been violated.

The court acknowledged the severity of the charges of sexual harassment made against the WFI president and said, "Notice to be sent, to come back on Friday." The court recognized the petitioners' right to keep their identities confidential.

Eminent personalities, farmers back protesting wrestlers

Many people are coming out in support of the wrestlers at Jantar Mantar. All India Mahila Congress Chief Netta D’Souza was seen supporting the wrestlers on day-2 of their protest as she visited the protest side along with other party workers and was seen consoling the wrestlers.

Sushil Gupta, an AAP member of parliament, met with the wrestlers on Monday at Jantar Mantar and offered his support while calling for the Delhi Police to file an FIR against the WFI president right away.

Wrestlers Resume Sit-In Protest at Jantar Mantar Against Sexual Harassment Allegations
[Dalit History Month] Dr. Ambedkar's 'Annihilation of Caste': A Blueprint for Social Justice and Human Rights

The former governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Satya Pal Malik, has issued a video in support of the wrestlers.

Actress and activist Urmila Matondkar has said, "Saddening n shameful. The pride of the nation is begging for justice. Where are all those ministers who rush to click pics with them to post their achievements? They deserve respect n dignity. Wake up 'system'."

News reports suggest that farmers from Sonipat will travel to Delhi's Jantar Mantar to support wrestlers who were staging a protest. Farmers' leaders declared they wouldn't leave Delhi unless an action is taken against the WFI chief. According to them, thousands of farmers will set up camp at Jantar Mantar.

Khap Panchayats from Haryana are also expected to join the protest in support of the nation’s top wrestlers.

Wrestlers Resume Sit-In Protest at Jantar Mantar Against Sexual Harassment Allegations
[Dalit History Month] Baba Saheb's Partners in Progress: A Glimpse into the Lives of his Resilient Wives, Ramabai and Savita

You can also join our WhatsApp group to get premium and selected news of The Mooknayak on WhatsApp. Click here to join the WhatsApp group.

Related Stories

No stories found.
The Mooknayak English - Voice Of The Voiceless
en.themooknayak.com