Wrestlers Resume Protest At Jantar Mantar: ‘Will Continue Fight Until We Get Justice’

New Delhi: Some of India’s leading international wrestlers returned to Jantar Mantar to resume their protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

The likes of Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Commonwealth Games medallist Vinesh Phogat had taken to the streets in January, accusing Brij Bhushan of sexual harassment and demanded his resignation. They also complained of mental harassment and death threats for speaking out.

On Sunday, Sakshi and Vinesh told mediapersons they were forced to return to Jantar Mantar after Delhi Police refused to register an FIR against Brij Bhushan over sexual harassment of several female wrestlers, including a minor.

“We made a complaint at Connaught Place police station two days ago, but no FIR has been registered yet. Seven women complained, which also includes a minor. It makes for a POSCO case, but nothing has been done yet,” Sakshi said.

Three months ago, Vinesh, Bajrang, Sakshi, Ravi Dahiya and others had met Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur. After listening to the concerns of the wrestlers, the Sports ministry formed an oversight committee, headed by boxing legend Mary Kom, to look into the allegations.

The committee was given a four-week deadline to submit its report, but has been extended a few times.

The protesting today demanded that the oversight committee’s report be made public and action taken against the WFI and its president.

“For the last three months, we have been trying to contact people in the Committee, people from the Sports Ministry but none took our call. We will continue to fight, continue to be here at Jantar Mantar. We will fight until we got justice,” said Vinesh.

“It’s been three months and we haven’t got justice. That’s why we are here again, to demand justice. We will sleep, eat here until we get justice,” she added.