WFI sexual harassment case: Wrestlers vow to protest until Brij Bhushan Singh behind bars; SC issues notice

With support of several politicians and farmers organisations, India’s top wrestlers intensified their pressure on Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. They’ve asserted that they won’t leave Jantar Mantar protest site until Bhushan, facing sexual assault charges, is arrested.

The wrestlers, including decorated athletes Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, claim the WFI chief is now resorting to threats and bribery to swing things.

Phogat claimed that the Delhi Police has leaked names of the victims to Brij Bhushan, who is using Haryana Wrestling Association secretary general Rakesh and coach Mahavir Prasad Bishnoi to threaten the families of the women wrestlers, who have filed complaints against the WFI chief.

“Brij Bhushan now knows the names of the complainants. The Delhi police has leaked the names to him. They are issuing threats. They are trying to break the victims and that’s why the delay in lodging an FIR,” Vinesh told reporters.

“We thought the sports ministry will give us justice but it did not happen. But we have faith in judiciary. If the Supreme Court takes everything related to this case under its wings and we are sure that no game will be played, only then we will leave the protest site.

“If just an FIR is lodged, we will not go from here. He has to be put behind the bars. If he remains outside, we won’t be safe. How will we train, if he is roaming free,” Vinesh said.

Vinesh clarified that just filing of FIRs and promise of thorough investigation won’t be enough. She said, “There are hundreds and thousands of FIRs against many people. But it is a question of justice. Only when are sure that we will not be tricked, we will end protest, otherwise we are here.”

Coach Mahabir Prasad, though, denied the allegations.

“I don’t know who the victims are. I am being dragged into this because I had refused to be on the side of the wrestlers,” Mahabir Prasad told PTI.

“They wanted me to be with them in the protest but I told them that while they are dear to me and I can help with the coaching part even if they call me in the wee hours, but I won’t stand on one side because the federation has also helped me in my career.

“I chose to be neutral and the wrestlers did not like it, so they are accusing me.”

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Delhi government and others on a plea by seven female wrestlers alleging non-registration of an FIR against Bhushan Sharan. The court said these are “serious allegations” requiring its consideration.

The top court had initially listed the plea for Friday. However, after hearing arguments from senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who mentioned the matter, it decided to take up the case straightaway.

WFI protest: SAI official meet protesting wrestlers at Jantar Mantar

The bench said normally a remedy to approach the police is available under Section 156 (police officers’ power to investigate cognisable cases) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Sibal alleged that seven wrestlers, including a minor, have made alleged sexual harassment allegations but no FIR has been lodged despite the law being clear on this aspect.

#WATCH | We asked for directions for FIR to be filed against accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Despite serious allegations of harassment, Delhi Police wasn’t filing the complaint. SC found the matter serious & issued notices to Delhi govt & Delhi Police: Wrestler’s advocate pic.twitter.com/Kb7DXOr1cz

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2023

“There are serious allegations made in the petition by wrestlers who have represented India and sexual harassment meted out to them. The matter requires consideration by this court,” the Supreme Court said in its order.

The SC also issued notice to Delhi Police.

“We asked for directions for FIR to be filed against accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Despite serious allegations of harassment, Delhi Police wasn’t filing the complaint. SC found the matter serious & issued notices to Delhi government & Delhi Police,” said the wrestlers’ advocate.

Decorated wrestlers such as Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat are protesting at the Jantar Mantar after Delhi Police failed to file an FIR against Brij Bhushan.

Delhi Police had said on Monday that seven complaints have been received against Singh and they are investigating all of them. An FIR will be registered after evidence comes to light. It was also said that they have sought a report from the Oversight Committee set up by the Sports Ministry to look into the allegations against Brij Bhushan.

Politicians, ‘khaap’ leaders extend support

Several politicians, including former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and ‘khap’ leaders met with the wrestlers and extended their support.

Hooda, Udit Raj, another Congress leader, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat were welcomed by the wrestlers, a day after they had sought support from all quarters.

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Hooda spent about 35 minutes with the wrestlers but did not speak to the gathered media.

Raj asked the protesting wrestlers to stick to their cause, like the farmers did against the farm laws and said, “You will emerge victorious”.

The Bharat Kisan Union (BKU) representative also joined the wrestlers’ stir.

WFI president Brij Bhushan Singh is accused of sexual harassment by women wrestlers. In January, the government established a five-member committee to investigate the matter following a protest by the wrestlers.

On Sunday (23 April) the wrestlers resumed the protest as the findings of the Oversight Committee were not made public.

Meanwhile, the upcoming WFI elections scheduled for 7 May were declared “null and void” by the Sports Ministry. The Ministry also said that the next WFI election will be conducted by Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) ad-hoc committee.

(with inputs from PTI)

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