Wrestlers Detained At Jantar Mantar Protest Site; Site Cleared Moments Later In Surprising Turn Of Events
Top Indian wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, residing in makeshift tents at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar for 35 days, were detained on May 28 by security personnel. They were attempting to march towards the newly inaugurated Parliament building, protesting against alleged sexual harassment by Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Security measures have been heightened in the nation's capital in anticipation of a planned march by protesting wrestlers toward the new Parliament House. The wrestlers have announced their intention to hold a women's Maha Panchayat (a large gathering) in front of the new Parliament building on Sunday. Consequently, Delhi Police have erected barricades near the ITO road, Tikri border, and Singhu border areas, as Khap Panchayat leaders and farmers are also expected to join the wrestlers' march.
In response to these developments, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), expressed his willingness to undergo a narco test and appealed to the protesting wrestlers not to hold any form of a demonstration near the new Parliament building, which is scheduled to be inaugurated on Sunday. Singh emphasized that the inauguration of the new Parliament building is a proud moment for the country, and he urged the wrestlers not to create any hindrances or convey the wrong message to the world.
One of the prominent Indian wrestlers, Vinesh Phogat, confirmed that they have decided to organize a peaceful women's Maha Panchayat in front of the new Parliament building on May 28. Phogat acknowledged the police presence and closures in New Delhi but urged everyone to attend the Mahila Panchayat (women's assembly). She stated that they are prepared to endure any police atrocities without resorting to violence.
The ongoing protests by wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshee Mallik, at Jantar Mantar have been centered around accusations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the WFI chief. The wrestlers have been demanding his arrest. On May 19, they marched from Jantar Mantar to Bangla Sahib Gurudwara in New Delhi, marking the 25th day of their protest.
To address the allegations and manage the day-to-day affairs of the Wrestling Federation of India, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will establish an ad-hoc committee within 45 days to conduct elections for the Executive Committee. This committee will oversee athlete selection and participation in international events until a new Executive Committee assumes control.
The protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh earlier this year led to the formation of an oversight committee by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur. The committee was tasked with investigating the claims made against the WFI president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and certain coaches. Vinod Tomar, the assistant secretary of the Indian Wrestling Federation, is also named as a defendant in the FIR. Opposition parties, farmer organizations, and concerned individuals have shown support for the wrestlers' cause and expressed concerns regarding the alleged sexual harassment.
