New Delhi: Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh who has been accused of sexual assault by top India’s wrestlers, reacted to the allegations through a brief video.
“Friends, the day I will review my life, what I have achieved and what I have lost, and the day I will feel that my capacity to struggle has ended, the day I will feel I am helpless, I am weak, I would not like to live such kind of life and would rather like to embrace death,” said Brij Bhushan in a video posted by news agency PTI.
VIDEO | WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh reacts to the sexual harassment charges against him. pic.twitter.com/HOdwVCWCIa
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 27, 2023
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Wrestlers Protest 2.0
Top wrestlers including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malikkh and Bajrang Punia have returned to Jantar Mantar in Delhi on April 23, to resume their protest against the WFI chief. The wrestlers have claimed to have seven girls including a minor who were subjected to sexual abuse.
This time, the wrestlers added a demand of the WFI chief’s arrest whereas they were asking to remove him from the chief post earlier, due to his inappropriate behaviour towards female athletes and coaches.
Growing Support
Meanwhile, the support for the protest is escalating especially after the top wrestlers invited all political parties to come forward ‘in a fight to save India’s daughters and sisters.’
Former Jammu and Kashmir governor Satyapal Malik, ex-Chief Minister of Haryana Bhupinder Singh Hooda and his son and Congress leader Deepindra Hooda also reached the protest site recently.
The Congress veteran leader Bhupinder Hooda said, ‘athletes who have brought laurels for the country and who should be in stadiums are protesting? There should be an inquiry and justice should be ensured.’
Meanwhile, Olympics gold medalist Abhinav Bindra on Wednesday extended his support to the protesting athletes. He posted on Twitter, “As athletes, we train hard every day to represent our country on the international stage. It is deeply concerning to see our athletes finding it necessary to protest on the streets regarding the allegations of harassment in the Indian wrestling administration.”
“My heart goes out to all those who have been affected. We must ensure that this issue is handled properly, with the athletes’ concerns heard and addressed fairly and independently. This incident highlights the crucial need for a proper safeguarding mechanism that can prevent harassment and ensure justice for those affected. We must work towards creating a safe and secure environment for all athletes to thrive in,” he added.
Protestors At Jantar Mantar 24×7
The ongoing protest have changed the outlook of the Jantar Mantar with the wrestlers sleeping, exercising and eating at the location only since the second leg of the agitation started. On Wednesday, a candle march was held at Jantar Mantar against the WFI chief.
Matter in Supreme Court
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police who has been avoiding to filr complaint against the BJP MP, submitted to the Supreme Court that there has to be a preliminary investigation in the matter before registering an FIR. However, the police added, that there have no objection to go on to file FIR if the top court orders.
Noting that there are serious allegations by wrestlers who have represented India, the court posted the matter for Friday. It will look into all entire material.
