Sports Minister Anurag Thakur held talks with the protesting wrestlers. Wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Satyawad Kaliya, and Sakshi Malik have gone to the residence of Anurag Thakur in New Delhi to resolve the protest undertaken by the Indian Wrestlers against the Chief of the Wrestling Federation, Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The Sports Minister gave information about his meeting with wrestlers through Twitter. He tweeted, “The government is willing to discuss with the wrestlers.” The protesting wrestlers have a few demands that they want to be fulfilled. One of the demands is free and fair elections for the future and the appointment of a woman chief.
Wrestler Vinesh Phagot had not joined the wrestlers meeting with the sports minister Anurag Thakur,reported by the sources . This meeting is a follow-up after the wrestler meets with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday evening. The wrestlers meet Amit Shah in the hope of a solid solution or remedy. A delegation of wrestlers, along with their coach, met “Amit Shah”, the Indian Home Minister, on June 3rd.
The report suggests that the meeting between the “home minister” and the wrestlers lasted for almost two hours. The protesting wrestlers demanded timely action and an unbiased investigation against the accused. Which “Amit Shah” responded by asking them to have faith in the investigation process as it moves forward at its pace. He asked them to be patient and have belief in the system.
The protesting wrestlers further requested that the Home Minister, “Amit Shah” withdraw the FIR filed against them. An FIR was filed against the protesting wrestlers on May 28 after they were caught marching towards the building of the new Parliament in the name of a protest. They were caught rioting.
On June 6, a team of officials visited the residence of “Wrestling Federation India’s chief”, Brij Bhushan Singh. His residence is located in the Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh. He is accused of sexually harassing and molesting female wrestlers. According to sources, the officials questioned the employees of Mr Singh and thoroughly searched for evidence. The officers reached his home on Monday evening and then on Tuesday morning.
One of the complaints against Mr Singh was made by a minor for sexual harassment. The minor has withdrawn her case against Mr Singh, but the complaint filed by six other female wrestlers is still pending.
Wrestlers have been protesting since April month. From April 23 to May 28, the wrestlers protested by sitting at Jantar Mantar, where they received support from different groups, including the farmer’s union and a few old wrestlers.
On May 28, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Parliament building with Braj Bhushan Singh in attendance, the Delhi Police detained the protesting wrestlers and also filed an FIR against them. The police have, since May 28th, not allowed the protesters to protest either at Jantar Mantar or India Gate.
Earlier, the protesters accused the sports minister, Anurag Thakre, of being insensitive towards the whole situation. They said we narrated the whole incident of sexual harassment to him, but no action was taken. Protesting Wrestlers complain that they are feeling oppressed. The protesting wrestlers are keen on protesting and seeking justice. Though quite a few of them have rejoined their railway jobs, They say they will continue to fight at all costs.
