New Delhi: Former Haryana Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda Tuesday joined the ongoing wrestlers protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Brijbhushan Singh.
Talking to press persons, the former CM 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.’
#WATCH | Former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda and other leaders join protesting Wrestlers at Jantar Mantar, Delhi.
SC will hear on Friday the plea filed by wrestlers regarding filing of FIR against WFI chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh regarding alleged sexual harassment pic.twitter.com/HPjSckOM96
— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2023
Son of Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Congress Rajya Sabha MP Deepinder Singh Hooda has also asked for a Central Bureaus of Investigation (CBI) probe in the matter.
Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court sought a response from Delhi Police over petition filed by top wrestlers against the WFI chief over the sexual assault charges. The top court will hear the plea on Friday in which, the protestors have sought registration of an FIR against WFI president Brij Bhushan.
Earlier in the day, Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak on the matter. The AICC general secretary said, “Modi ji break your silence! The players who have made the country proud in the world are sitting at Jantar Mantar against ‘sexual harassment’, but why no action is being taken.”
On Monday, All India Mahila Congress chief Netta D’Souza also reached the protesting spot and met the wrestlers, extending support to them.
Allegations
The case pertains to sexual harassment allegations against the WFI chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh. Apart from that, the wrestlers have alleged that “WFI knows nothing about the Wrestling” and all athletes have to struggle for basic help and facilities.
The agitated wrestlers have claimed that there are seven women who have accused the BJP MP of sexual abuse and one of the victim is just 16 years old who has reportedly won a gold medal. Submitting to the court earlier in the day, senior Advocate Kapil Sibal siad “There are video recordings to prove allegations of sexual assault.”
Been 3 Months, No Justice But Torture
On Sunday, the top wrestlers returned to Jantar Mantar to resume their protest against the BJP MP who has been charged of sexual harassment of many female athletes. Top wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malikkh have claimed support of many such victims who faced sexual assault.
Over 3 months have passed and wrestlers alleged that they recieved threats from many sides. The top wrestlers accused that they had submitted their complaints at police station but still no FIR was filed.
