Protesting Wrestlers Move Supreme Court Seeking FIR Against Federation Chief

New Delhi: India’s top wrestlers on Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking an FIR against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over alleged sexual harassment charges, ANI reported.

Olympic medallists Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, Commonwealth Games champion Vinesh Phogat were among a group of wrestlers who resumed their protest at Jantar Mantar on Sunday, after nearly three months.

They have been demanding justice for alleged sexual assault on female wrestlers by the WFI chief and some coaches.

The Centre formed a five-member oversight committee, headed by legendary boxer Mary Kom, in January after discussions with wrestlers. The panel was asked to oversee day-to-day activities of WFI and also look into allegations against Brij Bhushan, a BJP leader with criminal history.

Almost three months have passed but no action has been taken, the wrestlers said after resuming their protest yesterday. They complained that Delhi Police refused to file an FIR against Brij Bhushan despite seven women filing a complaint.

On Monday, Delhi Police sought a report from Mary Kom-headed panel.

The wrestlers spent the night on foothpath, demanding that the government reveal findings of the oversight committee.

Bajrang said all parties are welcome this time to take part in their stir and that they won’t back down until action is taken against Brij Bhushan.

“This time, all parties are welcome to join our protest whether it is BJP, Congress, AAP or any other party… we’re not affiliated with any party,” he said.

It was a reference to the wrestlers asking CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat to step down from the dais during their January protest, as they didn’t want to politicise the issue.