The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has swiftly shifted its office from the residence of former president and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The new office is situated in the Hari Nagar area of New Delhi. The relocation comes days after the suspension of newly-elected WFI chief Sanjay Singh by the Union Sports Ministry, citing concerns related to the office being housed in Singhs residence. The move follows the sports ministrys strong objections to the WFIs operations being conducted from Brij Bhushans premises.Govt suspends #Wrestling federation. Its reasons mentioned in a statement:“Newly elected body appears to be in complete control of former office bearers (read: Brij Bhushan).”“Business of WFI is being run from premises controlled by former office bearers (read Brij Bhushan)”.— Mihir Vasavda (@mihirsv) December 24, 2023On December 24, Sanjay Singh, a close associate of Brij Bhushan, was suspended from his role as the WFI chief, merely three days after assuming the position. The sports ministry justified this action, pointing to the WFIs office being located at Brij Bhushans residence as one of the primary reasons for the stringent measure.Sports ministry confirmsIn a letter issued by the ministry, it expressed concerns about the federation conducting its business from premises controlled by former office bearers, specifically mentioning Brij Bhushan. The ministry had said in its letter, The business of the federation is being run from the premises controlled by former office bearers (Brij Bhushan) -- which is also the alleged premises wherein sexual harassment of the players have been alleged and present(ly) the court is hearing the matter. What are the allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan SinghThe controversy surrounding Brij Bhushan intensified as the prominent wrestlers, including Olympic medalists Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, along with World Championship medalist Vinesh Phogat, accused him of sexual harassment. The Delhi High Court is actively reviewing the case.Notably, the sports ministry emphasized that the newly-formed WFI body was operating under the complete control of former office-bearers, which is deemed inconsistent with the National Sports Code.In response to Sanjay Singhs election as WFI chief on December 21, Sakshi Malik announced her retirement from wrestling. Additionally, Bajrang Punia returned his Padma Shri, and Vinesh Phogat decided to surrender her Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award. The wrestlers expressed their objection to having any close associate of the BJP MP in charge of the federation.Following the wrestlers protest on December 24, the Union Sports Ministry directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to establish an ad hoc committee to manage and control the affairs of the Wrestling Federation of India after the suspension of Sanjay Singh.
