The sports minister said that the government is ready to talk with the wrestlers who are
protesting.
In a tweet posted past midnight on Wednesday, Anurag Thakur, the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports of India, expressed the central government’s willingness to engage in a “discussion” with the protesting wrestlers. Thakur stated that he has extended another invitation to the wrestlers to participate in the dialogue regarding their concerns.
Four days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a meeting with a delegation of wrestlers protesting at his official residence in the capital, this statement is issued.
The meeting, which went on for over two hours and ended after midnight, was attended by
Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, along with a few coaches. When asked about the meeting, Bajrang stated, “We had a meeting with the Home Minister. I can’t provide any further comments.”
Among the group of wrestlers protesting in the national capital for over a month, the 2021
Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist is one of the prominent figures. They have been demanding
the arrest of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India,
accusing him of sexual harassment and misconduct.
On April 28, the Delhi Police filed two First Information Reports (FIRs) against Brij Bhushan
Sharan Singh. According to a report published by a media source on Friday, the FIRs include allegations of demanding “sexual favors” in exchange for professional assistance, as well as approximately 15 incidents of sexual harassment.
There have been a series of incidents involving sexual harassment, encompassing 10 instances of inappropriate physical contact, which included actions such as touching inappropriately, molestation involving running hands over breasts, and touching the navel. Additionally, there have been several instances of intimidation, including stalking.
Following a meeting between the wrestlers and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday, the Bhartiya Kisan Union, a farmers’ organization, has called off its planned protest on June 9.
The wrestlers, who have been demanding an investigation into the allegations against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh, met with Shah to discuss their concerns. Notably, prominent wrestlers such as Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik have been at the forefront of these protests, accusing Singh of sexual harassment and urging for his arrest.
several individuals have come forward to support the allegations
According to reports, several individuals have come forward to support the allegations made
by at least three female wrestlers against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The individuals who have come forward with corroboration include an Olympian, a Commonwealth gold medalist, an international referee, and a state-level coach.
Their statements have provided support and credibility to the case. Furthermore, the Delhi Police have taken statements from around 125 potential witnesses across four states about this matter. This extensive investigation aims to gather as much evidence and testimony as possible to ensure a thorough examination of the case.
During the meeting between the wrestlers and Home Minister Amit Shah, the status of the
investigation into the allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was reported to be a
significant concern raised by the wrestlers. They emphasized their demand for a prompt
filing of a robust chargesheet. In response, the Home Minister is said to have acknowledged
the importance of following due process in the matter.
Delhi police visited the residence of Singh
On Wednesday, the Delhi Police visited the residence of Wrestling Federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, and recorded statements from his associates and workers. This action was taken about the charges of sexual harassment filed against Singh by wrestlers.
Additionally, it was reported that the girl whose statement formed the basis of the case registered against Singh under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has provided a fresh statement under section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)
