New Delhi (India), April 28, 2023: Wrestlers in India continue their protest against the former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, over sexual harassment charges.
Olympic medallist, Bajrang Punia, has declared that their protest will not stop until Singh is sent to jail.
The Delhi Police has promised to register an FIR against Singh over the allegations. However, the protesting wrestlers are skeptical of the police and fear that they may file a loose FIR.
The Supreme Court of India was hearing a plea by seven women wrestlers seeking registration of an FIR against Singh. The court deemed the matter “serious” and issued notices to the Delhi Police and others. Earlier this week, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur reiterated the government’s commitment to an impartial probe into the allegations.
While addressing a press conference on the issue, Thakur acknowledged that the government had allowed all protesting wrestlers to present their case before the oversight panel. He further stated that he had listened to their grievances and formed a committee that they requested to add a member to. Thakur said, “There is nothing in our mind; we wanted an impartial probe.”
The protesting wrestlers have expressed their gratitude to the Supreme Court for directing the police to file an FIR. However, they have made it clear that they will continue their protest until Singh is sent to jail. The allegations against Singh have raised concerns about the safety of women in sports and have prompted the government to take necessary action.
