A group of renowned Indian wrestlers protesting against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the chief of the Wrestlers Federation of India (WFI) and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, due to alleged sexual abuse of women, including a minor, have expressed their disappointment to the media at Jantar Mantar in Delhi over facing alleged abuse by Delhi Police on Wednesday night.
They went on to say that the way they are treated is disturbing, even though they have received accolades from the Indian government. They emphasised that such recognition is pointless if they continue to be treated unjustly.
They had been involved in a scuffle with police personnel on Wednesday night after some protesters tried to bring folding cots to the protest site. During their conference, they made serious allegations against the police officer, claiming he was drunk and misbehaved with the female wrestlers.
Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia offered to return the honours bestowed upon him by the Indian government, stating that the wrestler’s achievements are useless if subjected to mistreatment and abuse by the police. Punia noted that the police failed to recognise the wrestler’s accomplishments, including their Padma Shri Awards, during the altercation.
Punia added that he was not the only one affected by the incident and that Sakshi Malik was also present. He questioned the treatment meted out to athletes, stating that if this is how they will be treated, they would rather return their medals and live a normal life.
A reporter asked Bajrang Punia if he was referring to the international medals or the awards conferred by the Indian government. In response, Vinesh Phogat intervened, saying they could take away all their medals and awards as the authorities had already disrespected them.
Several opposition parties have expressed their support for the wrestler’s protest against the Wrestling Federation of India chief over allegations of sexual harassment. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has called for a meeting of its MLAs, councillors, and party officials to discuss the matter.
When asked if the issue has been influenced by political parties, wrestler Vinesh Phogat responded by saying the issue is political and requested that the Prime Minister and Home Minister address the issue. She emphasised that wrestlers risked their careers and lives, and justice must be served.
In addition, the wrestlers have declined to participate in the Ranking Series event in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from June 1-4, the fourth event this year. The Indian Olympic Association had sought consent from the protesting wrestlers before submitting the entries. However, despite the ongoing protests and allegations against the WFI chief, they refused to participate in the event.
Reported by Matrika Shukla
