In preparation for the Asian Games 2023 Indian wrestlers are residing on the dusty pavement amidst blistering heat in Delhi, pressing for the apprehension of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief. Since January 2023, the wrestlers have been unable to concentrate on their training sessions as their plea has gone unanswered. Vinesh Phogat, a two-time medalist at the World Championships, published an editorial in The Indian Express, denouncing the Centre for disregarding the wrestlers' predicament. The Indian wrestlers are calling for measures to be taken against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused by some wrestlers of sexual harassment.
Phogat and other wrestlers addressed the 'Me Too' issue in wrestling tournaments publicly in the month of January this year. Phogat stated that they had faith in their voices when they decided to speak up about the sexual harassment that female wrestlers faced and the mismanagement in the federation. They were hopeful for a brief period that their voices were being heard. However, it is now apparent that the Oversight Committee that was established by the Sports Ministry to investigate the accusations was merely a superficial attempt.
What Was the Reason Behind Protest In Jantar Mantar
In the month of April 2023, the wrestlers continued their protests at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding the arrest of BJP MP Brij Bhushan and the release of the report by the government-appointed committee, claiming that no action had been taken to address their issues. They claim to have been subjected to harassment since 2012, with at least four incidents occurring at Brij Bhushan's MP bungalow, which also serves as the World Federation of India office. The harassment has occurred during tournaments both in and outside of India. Seven wrestlers filed separate police complaints against Brij Bhushan, but the Delhi police did not register an FIR.
After the Delhi police failed to file an FIR, the complainants approached the Supreme Court. On 25 April 2023, the Supreme Court listed the case for a hearing on 28 April and directed the redaction of the complainants' names from the public copy of the petition, stating that the allegations were "serious." Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Delhi Police, suggested that a preliminary inquiry may be necessary before registering an FIR. Kapil Sibal, representing the wrestlers, claimed that the FIR had not been filed because the accused was from the ruling party, and the officers who refused to file the FIR should be prosecuted.
On 28 April, after the Supreme Court hearing, the Delhi Police filed two FIRs against Brij Bhushan one under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and the other for outraging modesty. The protestors called this the first step towards victory. The Supreme Court closed the case after the FIR was registered, rejecting the plea to appoint a retired judge to monitor the investigation and stating that the complainants were free to approach the jurisdictional magistrate court or the Delhi High Court.
On 7 May 2023, the protestors formed a committee and gave the government until 21 May 2023 to arrest the accused. When the deadline passed without any action from the government the committee decided to hold a "women panchayat" at the inauguration ceremony of the newly-built parliament, which was attended by PM Modi.
What Are The Wrestler Demanding And Who Was Brij Bhushan Singh
Wrestlers in Delhi who are protesting against the head of the WFI, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, have called for his immediate resignation and arrest. The junior female wrestlers have accused the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India of engaging in sexual harassment.
Despite the fact that the Delhi Police has launched two FIRs in relation to the allegations, the wrestlers who are protesting have informed the Supreme Court that their statements have yet to be recorded by the police. According to Senior Advocate Narender Hooda who is representing the female wrestlers, "The police have not taken any action on our complaint. They have yet to record our statement under Section 161 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Other than allegations of sexual harassment and intellectual torture, wrestlers together with Bajrang Punia and Ravi Dahiya have referred to as for an quit to the ‘dictatorial’ approaches of the six-time parliamentarian.
He entered the Lok Sabha in 1991 and faces a couple of expenses together with try to murder, punishment for dacoity, inflicting disappearance of proof amongst others, even though he has now no longer been convicted in any individual of these
Conclusion And What Wrestlers Committed
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who has been leading the protest against Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment, responded to his challenge today. Singh had dared to undergo a narco test, polygraph test or lie detector test, but only if Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, another top wrestler who had been part of the protest, agreed to undergo the same.
Vinesh Phogat stated, "I would like to inform Brij Bhushan that not only myself, but all the girls who have filed complaints are willing to undergo the Narco test. It should be conducted live, so that the entire nation is aware of his mistreatment of our country's daughters," during a press conference held today.
Bajrang Punia stated that they had previously agreed to the wrestlers taking the Narco test. It should be overseen by the Supreme Court and broadcast live to the entire country.