On Wednesday, a scuffle broke out between Delhi Police and protesting wrestlers at Jantar Mantar over charges of sexual harassment against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh reported PTI. The protesters were demanding justice and a resolution of the issue to improve wrestling in the country. The situation turned chaotic after the scuffle, resulting in a ruckus.
Earlier in the day, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief PT Usha met the protesting wrestlers and assured them of her support. Bajrang Punia, a Tokyo Games bronze medallist, stated that Usha assured them of help and said she was first an athlete and then an administrator. “Initially when she said that, we felt very bad but then she said that her comments were misinterpreted. She said that we want justice. We don’t fight with the government or opposition or anyone else. We are sitting here for the betterment of wrestling. If this issue is resolved and if the allegations (against WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh) are proven then there should be legal action,” he added.
Meanwhile, seven women wrestlers who have leveled allegations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Singh moved the Supreme Court on Wednesday, seeking permission to file an affidavit in a sealed cover. The counsel representing the women wrestlers mentioned the matter before a bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha and said he was seeking permission to file the affidavit in a sealed cover before the top court, which is slated to hear the matter on Thursday.
It is noteworthy that on Friday, the Delhi Police registered two FIRs against the WFI chief based on complaints filed by the seven women wrestlers. The protesters are demanding justice and a resolution of the issue to improve wrestling in the country. The situation turned chaotic after the scuffle, resulting in a ruckus. The wrestlers have received support from many quarters, including the IOA chief, and have approached the Supreme Court seeking justice in the matter.