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The court will do its work, says Brij Bhushan soon after wrestlers withdraw protest

June 26, 2023, 12:06 pm

Former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh claimed on Monday that the case against him for alleged sexual harassment is now in court and will be heard soon.

“I do not want to comment on this as it is now under the court’s consideration. The matter is in the court, and the court will do its work,” Singh told reporters.

Singh’s remark came after the protesting wrestlers announced to withdraw their protest against him, stating that the government has fulfilled its promise of filing a chargesheet against the Chief of WFI, a six-time BJP MP whom they have accused of sexual harassment.

Top wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, in a few similar tweets stated that the fight will now be fought in court, not on the roads. Malik took to Twitter on Sunday to state that the “battle will now be fought in court and not on roads till justice is delivered.”

The tweets posted by 3 main wrestlers reads “As per the talks held on June 7, the government has implemented our demands. The Delhi Police on June 15 had submitted before the court the chargesheet after conducting a probe into allegations of sexual harassment (against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh), on the basis of an FIR filed by six women wrestlers. Now, the fight will continue in court and not on roads till justice is delivered.”

They also stated that they will wait for new WFI elections, which the government has promised will take place on July 11.

“The process for fresh Wrestling Federation of India election has begun. The polls are scheduled to be held on July 11 as promised by the government. We will wait for the implementation of the promise,” the wrestlers said.

Since the beginning of the year, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat have been organising rallies against Singh for alleged sexual harassment. After being removed from their Jantar Mantar protest site on May 28, the grapplers suspended their demonstration till June 15 after Union sports minister Anurag Thakur informed them that a chargesheet will be filed against BJP MP Singh.

Delhi police ask for proofs and chats related sxual harassment case against WFI chief from wrestlers

June 11, 2023, 2:43 pm

The Delhi Police has asked women wrestlers who have accused BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India boss Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment to give proof in the form of images, videos, or WhatsApp chat messages. In addition, the police served the complainants with a CrPC 91 notice requesting pertinent documentation.

The wrestler referred to as “minor” was not a minor at the time of the event and has since given a new statement in court. As per reports, Her complaint of sexual harassment has not changed, notwithstanding the changes to the age-related information. The father acknowledged this and emphasised the need for the accused’s arrest and in-custody questioning, expressing worries that his powerful position may obstruct the inquiry and intimidate the complainants and witnesses.”An impartial probe can’t be conducted without Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s arrest,” she said.

Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik meet union minister after midnight initiation

June 7, 2023, 11:50 am

Wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia arrived at Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur’s residence on Wednesday, hours after he invited them to ‘discuss their concerns’ late at night. Wrestlers have demanded that Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh be arrested on charges of sexual harassment and intimidation.

Thakur took to his official Twitter handle and wrote shortly after midnight on Wednesday that “The government is willing to have a discussion with wrestlers on their issues. I have once again invited the wrestlers for the same.”

Thakur’s invitation comes just days after the wrestlers met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the allegations against Brij Bhushan, a Bharatiya Janata Party MP. The wrestlers met Shah at his home last week but expressed dissatisfaction; Punia told reporters that the protesters were “not happy with the government’s response.”

He furthermore said that he wanted to know why Brij Bhushan had not yet been arrested, despite the fact that Delhi Police had filed two FIRs against him only after the Supreme Court intervened, and he warned Shah that the wrestlers would not back down.

Punia later told reporters that he had been told not to reveal that the wrestlers had met with Amit Shah, but he chose to do so anyway.

No final solution was achieved, says Sakshi Malik after meeting Amit Shah over wrestlers’ protest

June 5, 2023, 7:42 pm

Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik claimed on Monday that no resolution was reached following the wrestlers’ “normal conversation” with Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday night regarding their protests against Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is accused of sexual harassment.

“It was a normal conversation and no final solution was achieved. Our demand will be the same, to get the accused arrested,” Malik told the reporters.

In a demonstration against Brij Bhushan, Malik and Bajrang Punia have been calling for his arrest over claims of sexual harassment against seven wrestlers, including one kid. They are joined by fellow Olympian and World Championship medalist Vinesh Phogat. Singh has refuted every accusation.

“We have not withdrawn our names, Vinesh, I and Bajrang are together in this protest and we have not withdrawn our names,” Malik told news agency.

In the first such high-level engagement into the ongoing situation, Shah is said to have listened to the wrestlers until late. Anurag Thakur, the sports minister, guaranteed the wrestlers that their accusations would be fairly investigated earlier.

The late-night meeting with Shah takes place just days after the wrestlers attempted to dip their medals in the Ganga in Haridwar but were prevented by farmer activist Rakesh Tikait, who has given the government till June 9 to apprehend Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Sakshi Malik’s father, Sukhbir Malik, claimed that during their meeting with Shah, she, Punia, and Phogat made two demands: they called for Brij Bhushan to be detained and for honest officials to be appointed to the wrestling federation.

Rumor’s debunk: Wrestlers Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia withdrawal from protest

June 5, 2023, 4:44 pm

Top wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia denied media reports that they had withdrawn from the ongoing protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of sexually harassing several female grapplers.

“This news is completely wrong. In the fight for justice, none of us has backed down, nor will we. Along with Satyagraha, I am fulfilling my responsibility in Railways. Our fight continues till justice is served. Please don’t spread any wrong news,” Malik tweeted sharing a screenshot of a news report from a news channel.

https://twitter.com/SakshiMalik/status/1665645066105544705

“The news of withdrawing the movement is just a rumour. These news are being spread to harm us. We have neither retreated nor have we withdrawn the movement. The news of women wrestlers raising FIR is also false. The fight will continue till justice is served,” Punia tweeted.

Malik, Punia, and Vinesh Phogat, who were evicted from their Jantar Mantar protest site on May 28, have returned to work for Indian Railways. According to Northern Railways headquarters, Malik joined her Baroda House office in New Delhi on May 31, a day after the high drama in Haridwar, where the trio stopped short of immersing their international medals in the Ganga due to a late intervention by Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) president Naresh Tikait.

Malik authorized the conduct of Railways inter-divisional championships in cricket (men), badminton (men), weightlifting, basketball (men), volleyball (men), kabaddi (men), wrestling, boxing (men), athletics (men), and hockey (men) in a letter dated May 31.

Kolkata: CM Mamata leads candlelight march to showcase support for protesting wrestlers

June 1, 2023, 8:05 pm

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to the streets for the second day in a row on Thursday in support of the protesting wrestlers, leading a candlelight march from the Gostha Pal statue to the Mahatma Gandhi statue at the Mayo Road-Dufferin Road crossing in Kolkata.

The CM described the wrestlers’ struggle as a “fight for life, justice, and independence,” and stated that she will “fight until protesting wrestlers get justice.” The TMC supremo can be seen leading a group of protesters with a candle in her hand in a video posted by news agency ANI.

#WATCH | West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee participates in a candlelight march to the Gandhi statue in Kolkata in support of protesting wrestlers. pic.twitter.com/mkdcEC8RRQ

— ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2023

Banerjee took part in a protest march on Wednesday that began at the Hazra Road crossing in Kolkata’s south and ended at Rabindra Sadan. Other protesters are seen carrying placards with the words ‘We want justice’ and ‘We are with you wrestlers’ written on them.

Addressing the rally, Banerjee demanded the immediate arrest of former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexually harassing several female wrestlers, and stated, “We promise to continue our protest against the BJP government at the Centre until the culprit is arrested.”

“Even after the Supreme Court has given a judgment, the BJP government at the Centre is unable to arrest the accused. On the contrary, I have asked the police that they can arrest TMC leaders, if genuine complaints are received against them,” she added.

Following a chaotic day in the national capital on 28 May, during which several top wrestlers, including Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia, were detained and their protest site at Jantar Mantar was removed, the top agitating wrestlers traveled to Haridwar to immerse their medals in the Ganga. They were stopped, however, by farm leader Naresh Tikait. The wrestlers then gave the authorities a five-day deadline to act against the WFI chief.

‘Going to Haridwar to throw our medals in Ganga’ say wrestlers

May 30, 2023, 3:58 pm

The ongoing wrestlers’ protest in the national capital has taken a new turn, with India’s top grapplers Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Vinesh Phogat pledging to throw their medals in the Ganga on Tuesday evening in Haridwar.

The wrestlers took to Twitter to express their displeasure with the recent events and the way authorities handled the situation. The protesting wrestlers have stated that they will travel to Haridwar on Tuesday and throw their medals into the Ganga at 6 p.m. They have stated that after throwing their medals, they will go on hunger strike at India Gate.

Wrestlers wrote in their post that “You saw everything that happened on May 28, how police treated us and the way they arrested us. We were protesting peacefully, our place has been taken away and the next day serious cases and FIR were filed against us. Have the wrestlers committed any crime by demanding justice for the sexual harassment that happened to them? The police and the system are treating us like criminals, while the oppressor is taking jibe moving freely. He is even openly talking about changing the POSCO Act.”

Several top wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik, have been protesting Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexual harassment and demanding his arrest.
They also questioned how the female wrestlers were forced to hide for the entire day.

“Yesterday, many of our women wrestlers were hiding in the fields. The system should arrest the oppressor but it is engaged in breaking and intimidating the victim women to end their protest,” the grapplers claimed.

They went on to say that these medals now have no meaning.

‘They can arrest us if they want’ says Rakesh Tikait in support of protesting wrestlers

May 29, 2023, 3:11 pm

Rakesh Tikait, leader of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), said that the farmers are also prepared to be arrested in response to the wrestlers’ protest.

Tikait went on to say that “such an ugly situation is the result of the dying Democracy in the country.”

“They can arrest us if they want. Situations like these arise when Democracy dies in a country. People who should be in jail are enjoying gatherings instead. It took 90 years for the country to get its independence. Farmers’ protest also went on for 13 months. This protest has also been going on for 40 days,” Tikait expressed while conversing with the reporters.

Wrestlers have been protesting Wrestling Federation of India President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over harassment cases involving female athletes, including a minor. Farmers attempted to join the protesters in Delhi as well.

Earlier today, security personnel in Delhi stopped and detained protesting wrestlers as they attempted to march towards the new Parliament from their protest site at Jantar Mantar.

According to DCP Sonipat East Gaurav Rajpurohit, “unsocial elements” will not be allowed to enter the national capital to ensure the smooth operation of the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building.

The Delhi Police increased security in the national capital, including along its borders, ahead of the wrestlers’ march. The police barricaded all of the national capital’s borders in order to prevent any protests or gatherings.

Amid backlash Delhi Police explains reasons for clearing Jantar Mantar protest site

May 29, 2023, 2:38 pm

The Delhi Police said on Monday that they were forced to remove the protesting wrestlers from Jantar Mantar in Delhi, the officially designated protest site, after they broke the law “in a frenzy” despite repeated requests.

On Sunday, police and paramilitary personnel detained wrestler Vinesh Phogat during a protest march from Jantar Mantar to New Parliament House against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s alleged sexual harassment of female wrestlers.

According to the police, the protesters disregarded rules and regulations, prompting the intervention of security forces.

The deputy commissioner of police, New Delhi took to Twitter and penned “The dharna and demonstration of the wrestling wrestlers were going on smoothly at the notified place of Jantar Mantar. Yesterday, the protesters flouted the law in a frenzy despite all requests and requests. Hence, the ongoing dharna has been called off.”

The Delhi Police removed tents and other installations set up by wrestlers at Jantar Mantar on Sunday after they were arrested for allegedly breaching the security cordon. The wrestlers were detained as they attempted to make their way to the new Parliament building to hold a women’s “Maha Panchayat.”

Several photos and videos have surfaced on social media showing Delhi Police officers mistreating revered Olympians and Commonwealth Games champions during a peaceful protest march to the newly built parliament building.

The police action drew harsh criticism from opposition leaders, who called it “barbaric” and demanded an explanation from the Union home ministry. They also demanded action against all police personnel who wrongfully and “brutally” detained the wrestlers.

Tell me where to come to get shot, Bajrang Punia dares ex-IPS officer

May 29, 2023, 1:36 pm

On Monday, ace wrestler Bajrang Punia and former Kerala director general of police (DGP) NC Asthana engaged in a heated online debate after the latter threatened to shoot protesting grapplers if necessary. Punia responded to Asthana’s tweet by saying he was willing to take bullets in the chest.

The spat erupted after chaotic scenes at the Jantar Mantar dharna site, just 3 kilometers from the new Parliament building inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, as protesters and police officers shoved and pushed each other when the Phogat sisters, Sakshi Malik, and others attempted to breach the barricades.

After the wrestlers and other protesters were pushed into buses and taken to different locations, police began clearing the protest site by removing cots, mattresses, coolers, fans, and the tarpaulin ceiling, as well as other wrestlers’ belongings.

Later that night, while retweeting a news report, Asthana wrote in Hindi, “Will even shoot if necessary. But not because of you are saying. Right now, they have just been dragged and thrown away like a sack of garbage. Article 129 gives the police the right to shoot. Under proper circumstances, that wish will also be fulfilled too. But to know that it is necessary to be educated. See you again at the postmortem table!”

In another tweet, the former DGP stated that, “Some fools doubt the right of the police to shoot. If you can read English, then read the decision of the Supreme Court in Akhilesh Prasad’s case. Those illiterate who cannot read, it is good advice not to test this right. Wives will be widowed and children orphaned without any reason! stay fit.”

https://twitter.com/NcAsthana/status/1662857287265054721

Punia, one of India’s top grapplers who are demanding the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who allegedly sexually harassed female wrestlers, appeared to be upset by the former IPS officer’s tweet.

“This IPS officer is talking about shooting us. Brother, I am standing in front here. Tell me where to come to get shot… I swear that I will not show my back, I will take your bullet on my chest. This is what has remained, now it is right to do with us,” Punia tweeted.

ये IPS ऑफिसर हमें गोली मारने की बात कर रहा है। भाई सामने खड़े हैं, बता कहाँ आना है गोली खाने… क़सम है पीठ नहीं दिखाएँगे, सीने पे खाएँगे तेरी गोली। यो ही रह गया है अब हमारे साथ करना तो यो भी सही। https://t.co/jgZofGj5QC

— Bajrang Punia ?? (@BajrangPunia) May 29, 2023

Mahila Maha panchayat: Wrestlers, supporters detained after scuffle with police

May 28, 2023, 1:49 pm

On Sunday, security personnel stopped and detained protesting wrestlers as they attempted to march from Jantar Mantar to the new Parliament building. Wrestlers wanted to hold a Maha Panchayat for women in front of the new Parliament.

Wrestlers led by Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik have demanded the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Singh, who they claim sexually harassed several female wrestlers. Thousands of police officers were stationed at Delhi’s borders, Lutyens’ Delhi, and multiple layers of barricades were erected as protesting wrestlers marched towards the new Parliament building.

Protesting wrestlers announced on Saturday that they will hold a women’s Maha Panchayat in front of the new Parliament building, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi.

As Khap Panchayat leaders and farmers planned to join the protesting wrestlers’ march, Delhi Police set up barricades near ITO road, the Tikri border, and the Singhu border area.

Farmers’ groups in Haryana’s Ambala were prevented from proceeding to Delhi for the Mahila Mahapanchayat outside the new Parliament Building in New Delhi. Several farmers’ leaders were also detained in Haryana’s Kurukshetra, including Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Gurnam Singh Charuni. The groups, mostly women, had stopped for the night at Gurudwara Manji Sahib on NH-44 when it was turned into a fortress in the presence of a large police force.

Khap leaders from Rohtak, Bhiwani, Hisar, Jind, and other parts of the state were apprehended. Binain khap leaders were apprehended at Jind’s Narwana railway station.

Wrestlers march:Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Committee members detained at Ambala border

May 28, 2023, 11:02 am

The members of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee were detained by police on Sunday at the Ambala border in response to protesting wrestlers’ demand for a women’s Maha Panchayat in front of the nation’s capital’s new Parliament building.The Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee members had come out from Amritsar on Saturday to participate in women wrestlers’ Maha Panchayat in front of the new Parliament.Delhi Police have increased the security in the national capital, including on its borders ahead of a march by wrestlers towards the newly-built Parliament building.
Khap Panchayats called for a Mahila maha panchayat in support of wrestlers who have been protesting against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP accusing him of sexual harassment. Seven women wrestlers have filed a police complaint against him.
Delhi Police barricaded all the borders of the national capital in order to prevent any protest or gathering.Notably, Delhi Police has been informed that certain miscreants may paint “anti-national and anti-PM” inscriptions on the campus walls on the day of the inauguration.
In light of this, Delhi Police increased security all day long around the new Parliament building.

Wrestlers march:Delhi Police on high alert, barricades up roads leading to new Parliament building

May 28, 2023, 10:23 am

Security has been stepped up in the nation’s capital prior to the protesting wrestlers’ march towards the new Parliament House.On Saturday protesting wrestlers said that they have decided to hold a women’s Maha Panchayat in front of the new Parliament building on Sunday.
Following this, Delhi Police have put up barricades near ITO road, the Tikri border and the Singhu border area as Khap Panchayat leaders and farmers are also likely to join the protesting wrestlers’ march.Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Saturday said that he is ready to face a narco test and urged the protesting wrestlers not to hold any kind of agitation near the new Parliament building, which will be inaugurated on Sunday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will dedicate to the nation the new Parliament building on Sunday.
“The country is getting a new Parliament building and it is a matter of pride. But I was saddened when I heard that wrestlers want to carry out their agitation near it. I urge these wrestlers that I am ready, ready for the narco test, ready for everything. But this (new Parliament inauguration) is a proud moment for us and they (wrestlers) should not create hurdles and world must not get any wrong message,” added Brij Bhushan.
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat said that the wrestlers have decided to hold a women’s Maha Panchayat in front of the new Parliament building on May 28.
“We have decided to hold a peaceful women’s Maha Panchayat in front of the new Parliament building on May 28,” she said.
“Police have closed New Delhi but we request everyone to attend Mahila Panchayat…we will suffer all the atrocities by Police without any violence,” she said.
Several ace grapplers including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshee Mallik have been protesting at the Jantar Mantar accusing the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment and demanding his arrest.
On May 19, the wrestlers marched from Jantar Mantar to Bangla Sahib Gurudwara in New Delhi on their 25th day of protest against Brij Bhushan
Grapplers including Punia, Sakshi, Vinesh and others joined the march demanding the arrest of the WFI chief charged with sexual harassment of athletes.The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will form an ad-hoc committee to conduct the elections for the Executive Committee of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) within 45 days of its formation, to manage day-to-day affairs of the body, including the selection of athletes and making entries for the participation of players in international events, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced earlier on April 24. This committee will continue to work in the interim until a new Executive Committee assumes over.Famous wrestlers organised a protest against the WFI president earlier this year, and as a result, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur announced the creation of a “oversight committee” to look into claims made against the WFI, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and a few coaches. Vinod Tomar, the assistant secretary of the Indian Wrestling Federation, is also listed as a defendant in the FIR.
Opposition parties and farmer organisations have backed the effort, and many individuals have expressed worry about the alleged sexual harassment.

Wrestlers Protests: Status Report filed and SIT formed & court ask to record statements

May 12, 2023, 2:25 pm

On Friday, Delhi police filed status report on women wrestler’s application in alleged sexual offence against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh.The court was also informed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the matter.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Harjit Singh Jaspal heard the submissions of Additional public prosecutor (APP) Atul Shrivastava and Defence counsel. The court said that it shall decide upon the application once the statement before the court is recorded.Meanwhile, the status report may be kept in a sealed cover.APP Atul Srivastava submitted that a detailed reply has been filed on the application. An SIT has also been formed in the matter. The statement of one of the victims is to be recorded before the court today.

The court asked the Delhi police to record the statement of all the victims before the court. The matter has been listed on May 27 for further hearing.The Court asked the police to give a copy of the report to the Defence counsel.The APP Shrivastava submitted that the report should not be shared as this is a matter of Sexual harassment and it may hamper the investigation and may also disclose the identity of the victims.The report should not be shared with anyone due to the confidentiality and sensitivity of the matter.

The counsel for the victims argued that the public prosecutor is merely tryei6to hamper the victims’ rights and trying to veil the investigation.He also argued that the matter came to the notice of the police on April 21. The accused is disclosing the facts of the investigation in the media. How does he know what is happening in the investigation?
In the first part of the hearing The court had asked, ” Do You want an in camera proceeding?” The defence counsel replied in the affirmative.The counsel for the wrestlers submitted that the police is hiding what is happening in the investigation of our case.

Wrestlers’ protest: Minor wrestler records statement before Magistrate

May 11, 2023, 2:20 pm

The minor female wrestler, who along with some other wrestlers has made sexual harassment allegations against Wrestling Federation of India chief Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, has recorded her statement before the magistrate.

Delhi Police said that the statement was recorded under CrPC 164 on Wednesday. Delhi Police is conducting a probe into the sexual harassment allegations by wrestlers protesting at Jantar Mantar against Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, a BJP MP.Two FIRs have been registered following a complaint by the wrestlers. Wrestlers have been on a protest at Jantar Mantar since April 23.

In their complaint to the police, the wrestlers alleged that seven female wrestlers, including a minor, were harassed by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.Rio Olympic bronze medallist wrestler Sakshi Malik had on Wednesday asked Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh to undergo a lie detector narco test if he is confident of his integrity.

“I challenge the WFI president to take a Narco Test. We are also willing to take the test. Let the truth come out in the open, who is the culprit and who is not,” Malik said at a press conference at Jantar Mantar.Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia said they want all competitions to take place under the ad hoc panel of IOA. “If the WFI chief is involved in any way, we will oppose it,” he said.

‘Modi ji, justice awaits your yes’, Priyanka Gandhi slammed PM over Brij Bhushan’s remark

May 1, 2023, 6:08 pm

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress general secretary, slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday after Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh reportedly said he will resign if top party leaders ask him to, saying “justice is waiting for your yes.”

Faced with allegations of sexual harassment from some of India’s top wrestlers, WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh reportedly stated that he will resign if any of the top leaders ask him to.

“If the PM asks, I will resign immediately. Even if (Union home minister) Amit Shah and (BJP President) JP Nadda ask, I will do so,” Singh was heard saying earlier.

In response to his statement, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who met and supported the protesting wrestlers at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, tweeted, “@narendramodi ji keh dijiye. Nyay ko aapki ‘haan’ ka intezaar hai (@narendramodi ji ask him. Justice awaits your ‘yes’).”

… @narendramodi जी कह दीजिए ।

न्याय को आपकी “हाँ” का इंतजार है। https://t.co/l8MFUbDcuv

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) May 1, 2023

Notably, following the Supreme Court’s intervention, two FIRs were filed against the BJP MP, the first relating to allegations leveled by a minor and registered under the POCSO Act and relevant sections of the IPC concerning outraging modesty.

Protests against the WFI chief erupted in January, but the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the government quickly defused the situation by forming a probe panel. Top Indian wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, among others, renewed their call for action against the BJP leader last week.

Brij Bhushan made big claims on SP Chief Akhilesh yadav skipping wrestlers protest

April 30, 2023, 3:54 pm

WFI Chief Brij Bhushan shared a cryptic accusations targeting SP chief Akhilesh yadav maligning his ‘image’ of sexually assaulting women wrestlers. He added that 90 percent of women wrestlers who have complained against him are all from one family and the same akhada.

When reporters asked, why akhilesh yadav and other opposition leaders did’nt joined protest he said ‘Akhilesh Yadav knows the truth. We know each other since childhood. 80 per cent of the wrestlers in Uttar Pradesh belong to families with Samajwadi Party ideology. They call me ‘Netaji’. They say how their Netaji is,” he said.

He added ‘You don’t get justice from Jantar Mantar. If you want justice, you have to go to the police and the court. They never did that until now. Just kept abusing. We will accept whatever the court decides,’.

Yesterday, Congress Leader Priyanka Gandhi, AAP Arvind kejriwal joined wrestlers protest to express solidarity.

Till now, Delhi police filed two cases against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh hours after the Supreme Court ordered them to do so, amidst demonstrations in Delhi Jantar Mantar.One of the FIR’s relates to a complaint of sexual harassment by a minor under the Protecting Children from Sexual Offences Act (POSCO).

In addition, Singh has also been criticized for his alleged interference in the selection of coaches for the Indian wrestling team. Some coaches have accused him of promoting his own candidates for coaching positions and ignoring the merit and qualifications of other candidates.

Wrestlers should have taken this step 3 months ago, says Yogeshwar Dutt

April 30, 2023, 1:45 pm

Former Indian wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, a member of the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) seven-member committee charged with investigating the wrestlers’ allegations of sexual harassment against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, stated that an FIR has been filed and that the grapplers should now focus on their practice.

The Delhi Police filed two FIRs against WFI president Singh on Friday, alleging sexual harassment and exploitation of female wrestlers. Top Indian wrestlers including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and many others have joined the protest against the WFI chief.

For those unversed, the wrestlers have been sleeping and training at the protest site near Jantar Mantar in the national capital for the past six days.

“The wrestlers should have taken this step 3 months ago. FIR has been registered, now the wrestlers should focus on their practice. Even the Prime Minister does not have the right to punish only the court does” Yogeshwar Dutt told the media.

Dutt also stated that the committee formed was tasked with submitting a report after hearing from both sides. Neither the committee nor the country’s Prime Minister have the authority to punish. Only the court has the authority to sentence.

“An FIR has been registered in this matter and as I said earlier also, the wrestlers should have taken steps to get the FIR registered 3 months back. Nothing happens while sitting at home,” Dutt added.

Delhi CM meets wrestlers protesting at Jantar Mantar

April 29, 2023, 7:55 pm

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal arrived at Jantar Mantar and met wrestlers protesting against Wrestlers Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Saturday over allegations of sexual harassment.

The Delhi CM raised the slogans Bharat Mata Ki Jai, Inquilab Zindabad, and Vande Mataram at Jantar Mantar. The CM said, “Friends, those wrestlers of our country, those players of our nation who glorified the name of Bharat in the whole world… Today, for the past week, we have been sitting and protesting at the Jantar Mantar”.

“Why are they protesting? Because one of the big leaders of their party (referring to the BJP) mistreated the girls, our sisters, who glorified the name of our country. By the way, if any girl of our country, any sister of our country, or any woman of our country is ill-treated, that person should be immediately caught and the harshest punishment should be given. He should be hanged,” Kejriwal added.

Delhi Police on Friday registered two FIRs against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh following allegations of sexual harassment by women wrestlers.

Will continue protest until accused is punished: Sangeeta Phogat

April 28, 2023, 11:49 am

Sangeeta Phogat, a rising Indian wrestler and Bajrag Punia’s wife, stated on Friday that the wrestlers will continue to protest and fight for justice. Wrestlers in India are protesting in Jantar Mantar in the national capital against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) head Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual harassment claims. Top Indian wrestlers including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and many others have joined the protest against the WFI chairman.

“We did not receive justice earlier. We were fighting for justice before, and we are still fighting for it now. We shall keep doing so until the offender is punished. As a result, we will continue to demonstrate here. The girls have accused him of sexual harassment, hence a FIR should be filed and he should be punished for his actions. As you can see, no one came to us, and we did not receive a phone call.

Priyanka slams BJP for wrestlers’ protest

April 26, 2023, 10:42 am

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the government over top wrestlers’ protests here on Wednesday, questioning whether the government wants to shield the perpetrators.

The Congress general secretary also said that the appeals of sportspeople who promote the country’s honour are being ignored, and that “when the arrogance of a party and its leaders” is sky high, such voices are squashed.

Her comments come as India’s best wrestlers intensified their protest against WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Tuesday, declaring that they will not leave the protest site until the WFI president, who is facing sexual harassment charges, is jailed.

The Supreme Court issued notifications to the Delhi government and others on Tuesday in response to a petition filed by seven female wrestlers alleging non-registration of a FIR about sexual harassment charges against the WFI president, stating that these are “serious allegations” that require its consideration.

Gandhi expressed his support for the protesting wrestlers, saying that athletes are the pride of the country because when they win gold despite all the challenges and after working tirelessly, “their victory is our victory” and the entire country celebrates.

“Women’s victories are more significant than men’s.” She is crying as they sit on the road near to Parliament. “No one is paying attention to their long-standing complaint about exploitation,” Gandhi stated in a Hindi tweet.

“These girls with strong arms and pure hearts believed the government when it said there would be an investigation.” However, the probe did not take place. The issue of punishment was never raised. “Does the government want to save the perpetrators?” asked the Congress leader.

Gandhi enquired as to who was putting pressure on the Delhi Police.

She also questioned why, after hearing the suffering of a girl during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Opposition leaders are being questioned by the same police, but the appeals of sportspeople who increase the country’s honour are ignored.

Her comments were in response to a Delhi Police team questioning Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at his home last month about his remark during the Bharat Jodo Yatra that “women are still being sexually assaulted.” The police squad had requested information about the “victims” in order to investigate their complaints.

“When a party’s and its leaders’ arrogance reaches the sky, such voices are crushed.” Let us rally behind our sisters. It is an issue of national honour,” Gandhi stated.

Wrestlers such as Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia have also claimed that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chairman is now using coercion and intimidation to break the “victims” by giving money.Former Haryana Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Congress leader Udit Raj, and CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, who were barred from joining the protest in January, were welcomed by the wrestlers on Tuesday, a day after they sought support from all quarters.

Wrestlers Protest: We’ll file case against WFI chief; says Vinesh Phogat

January 19, 2023, 6:01 pm

In the wrestlers’ protest, all the wrestlers have left the protest site and will resume the protest again on Friday at 10 a.m.

Earlier in the day Wrestler Vinesh Phogat said, from the government, we haven’t got any satisfactory response, we will make sure that WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh resigns and is jailed.

Meanwhile, wrestler Sakshi Malik said, “Govt did not promise any action, they have only given assurance and we’re not happy with the response, we request PM sir to ensure justice.”

Taking to Twitter Swati Maliwal said, “It’s been 24 hours since the country’s champion #Wrestlers have been on strike. When these players win medals, the leaders line up and take photographs with them and take credit for their victory. Why is everyone missing today? Swati Maliwal also asked five questions from the Sports Ministry.”

देश के चैंपियन #Wrestlers को धरने पर बैठे 24 घंटे हो चुके हैं। जब ये खिलाड़ी मेडल जीतते हैं तो नेता लाईन लगाके इनके साथ फोटो खिंचाते हैं इनकी जीत का क्रेडिट लेते हैं। आज सब ग़ायब क्यों ?

खेल मंत्रालय से मेरे 5 सवाल – pic.twitter.com/AABeZawg6z
— Swati Maliwal (@SwatiJaiHind) January 19, 2023

Earlier in the day, champion wrestler and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Babita Phogat met with protesting wrestlers at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Thursday.

Meanwhile, wrestlers sitting in the protest are demanding action against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief for exploiting several athletes.

Addressing the gathering, Babita Phogat said, “I have assured them that the government is with them. I will try that their issues are resolved today.”

Earlier, the Haryana Sports and Youth Affairs Department and a former wrestler tweeted, “I stand with all my fellow players in this matter of wrestling. I assure all of you that I will work to raise this issue with the government at every level, and the future will be decided the way players feel right.”

“Babita Phogat has come from the government’s side for mediation. We will speak with her and then give more details,” Olympian and 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist Bajrang Punia said.

Moreover, on the day of the protest, wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Punia were sitting in silent protest.

“If we can fight for our country, then we can also fight for our rights. First of all, I thank all the players who have come here. And the statement that was given yesterday said that only 3 percent of players are sitting here, but according to me, all the players are here. You can imagine how strong the players are. And we raised our voice for our rights and are not going to bow down when we do not win,” Punia said.

“We wish that someday if any child comes to wrestling, he should not practice under some pressure,” Punia stated.

Earlier on Wednesday, wrestler Vinesh Phogat alleged that coaches who are favorites of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) harass the women.

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat also accused the wrestling federation chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, of calling her ‘khota sikka’ and sexually harassing girls.

“Coaches are harassing women and some coaches, who are favorites of the Federation, misbehave with women coaches as well. They sexually harass girls. The WFI president has sexually harassed many girls,” Phogat alleged.

However, a Lok Sabha MP from the BJP, Brij Bushan Singh, is heading the Wrestling Federation of India.