Despite the wrestlers ongoing protest for ten days, the Delhi Police has stated that they have not yet taken the statement of the female wrestlers who are participating in the protest. This announcement comes after three days since the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, was accused of sexual harassment by the players and was booked by the police.As of Monday, officials have stated that they have not yet recorded the statements of the women wrestlers who have been protesting for ten days. Sources have indicated that the police are also considering questioning Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh regarding the FIRs filed against him, but no official notice has been served to him yet.Wrestlers Protest Expanding Like Shaheen BaghOn Monday, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), claimed that the ongoing wrestlers protest is “growing like Shaheen Bagh,” and that the protests goal is not him, but the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He questioned why the Jantar Mantar protest has not ended despite the registration of an FIR at the request of the wrestlers, and accused the protest of being “paid.“He stated that the protest is being supported by various groups such as the “Tukde-tukde gang” and other organisations that were involved in the Shaheen Bagh protests and the farmers protests. He added that these groups frequently attack the Prime Minister and the ruling party, and their involvement in the wrestlers protest is clear.Charges against Brij Bhushan SinghThe wrestlers have accused the WFI Chief of sexual harassment and other offenses, alleging incidents that occurred between 2012 and 2022, including some that took place at Brij Bhushans official MPs residence in New Delhi, as well as during domestic and international tournaments. One of the complainants is reportedly a minor, as stated in front of the Supreme Court earlier this week. In addition to the allegations of sexual harassment, the wrestlers have accused Brij Bhushan of unlawfully intimidating them.Demands made by wrestlers in protestThe wrestlers have made two main demands: firstly, the arrest of WFI Chief Brij Bhushan under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and secondly, the dissolution of WFI and his removal from the position of president.Actions taken by governmentThe Sports Ministry had directed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to stop all ongoing activities including a ranking competition in Gonda. To investigate the matter, the ministry set up a six-member oversight committee (OC) with a four-week deadline to submit their report. The committee submitted its report in the first week of April, following which fresh protests erupted leading to the cancellation of WFI elections scheduled for May 7.FIR lodged against Brij BhushanOn April 28, the Delhi Police registered two FIRs against WFI chief Brij Bhushan after informing the Supreme Court. As per the report, the first FIR was filed under the POCSO Act and relevant sections of the IPC based on the complaint of a minor. The second FIR was filed to conduct a detailed investigation under the relevant sections of the law.Brij Bhushan Singh on wrestlers protestBrij Bhushan has acknowledged the accusations made against him and stated that he will abide by the decision of the Supreme Court. According to Singh, this matter is currently being heard in the Supreme Court. “I am in agreement with the Supreme Courts decision. I have complete confidence in both the Supreme Court and the police investigation. I will cooperate with the investigation in any manner necessary.”7 women wrestlers get security from Delhi PoliceThe Supreme Court has directed the Delhi Police to provide protection to seven wrestlers who have accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), of sexual harassment.
