New Delhi: Indian wrestlers have returned to Jantar Mantra to protest against BJP leader and former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh. They have alleged sexual assault of a minor and have demanded a probe under POCSO Act. They returned to protest as they mentioned that their demands have gone unheard and had received no response even after two-and-a-half months.
Big faces like Olympic bronze medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, along with two-time World Championships bronze medallist Vinesh Phogat are leading the protests.
Talking to the media, Punia and Vinesh Phogat mentioned that they went through mental torture and it is about respect for women athletes. They said that they did not receive any response from the Sports Ministry in the past three months.
#WATCH | “We have been going through mental torture, it’s about the respect of women athletes…We aren’t receiving any response from Sports Ministry, it’s been 3 months”: Wrestlers protest against then WFI chief and BJP strongman Brijbhushan Singh pic.twitter.com/44qfs8APbs
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2023
Sakshi Malik said that seven girls including a minor have complained at CP PS against Brij Bhushan Singh regarding sexual harassment but they are yet to file a complaint. The wrestlers demanded POCSO Act be imposed. Sakshi and Vinesh also broke down during the conversation with the media.
#WATCH |Seven girls including a minor gave a complaint at CP PS against Brijbhushan Singh regarding sexual harassment but yet to be filed.There must be POCSO case. We’ve been waiting for 2.5 months…:Wrestlers protest against then WFI chief & BJP strongman Brij Bhushan Singh pic.twitter.com/SvAvSk9hNz
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2023
Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chief Swati Maliwal issued a notice to Delhi Police for reportedly failing to register FIR in the matter. The notice that the wrestlers have complained to the Commission and have given a written complaint to Delhi Police regarding the sexual harassment but an FIR has not been registered. Talking about the same, Vinesh said that they resumed the protest as they did not get justice. She also thanked DCW for their support.
Delhi | It’s been 3 months, and we haven’t got justice, that’s why we are protesting again. We demand justice, FIR has not been registered yet. We are grateful that DCW is supporting us: Wrestler Vinesh Phogat on DCW’s notice to Delhi Police for reportedly failing to register FIR… https://t.co/j7gWJNeeBn pic.twitter.com/cvSyCTV3JF
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2023
Earlier this year, wrestlers gathered on Jantar Mantar to protest against sexual harassment instances and the corrupt behaviour of the then WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh. Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur ensured them that the ministry will enquire about the matter and help them.
