Protesting Wrestlers Seek Justice, security heightened at Jantar Mantar expecting large crowd

New Delhi (India), May 7, 2023: Security has been heightened at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi as the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) announces nationwide protests in support of protesting wrestlers.

The wrestlers have been protesting for over 10 days, demanding the arrest and sacking of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh, over allegations of sexual harassment by the wrestlers. Several leaders of the SKM from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh are expected to visit the protest site and offer support to the wrestlers.

Notably, SKM was behind the year-long farmers’ protest against the now-repealed farm laws. Haryana Home and Health Minister Anil Vij has extended his support to the protesting wrestlers and offered to mediate and hold talks with the government on their behalf. Meanwhile, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has assured that the Delhi Police is conducting an unbiased investigation against the wrestling federation chief and working to meet the demands of the protesting grapplers.

Earlier this year, prominent wrestlers led a protest against the WFI chief, prompting the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to form an ‘oversight committee’ to probe allegations against the WFI, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and some coaches.

The protesting wrestlers have made it clear that they will not move until they get justice, and Brij Bhushan is removed as the WFI chief and put behind bars. The demand for free and fair elections of the Wrestling Federation of India is also being taken into consideration by the Indian Olympic Association.

The protesting wrestlers’ fight for justice has gained nationwide attention, and their demand for accountability and action against those accused of sexual harassment is commendable. As the protests continue, it remains to be seen if the government and law enforcement agencies will take swift action to address the issue and ensure justice for the aggrieved wrestlers.