Monday, 23 December 2024
Monday, 23 December 2024
Former Haryana chief minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda with wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia and others during their protest at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi on April 25, 2023. Delhi Police has sought a report from the probe committee set up by the Ministry of Sports to investigate the sexual harassment allegations against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a senior officer said on April 24.
On April 28 Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra extended his support to the protesting wrestlers and called for "quick action" from the authorities in order to ensure that justice is served.
He tweeted, "It hurts me to see our athletes on the streets demanding justice. They have worked hard to represent our great nation and make us proud. As a nation, we are responsible for safeguarding the integrity and dignity of every individual, athlete or not. What's happening should never happen.
"This is a sensitive issue, and must be dealt with in an impartial and transparent manner. Pertaining authorities must take quick action in order to ensure that justice is served."
On April 25, The Supreme Court issued notices to the Delhi government and others on a plea by seven women wrestlers alleging non-registration of an FIR on their sexual harassment allegations against WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, saying these are “serious allegations” requiring its consideration. The top court was initially of the view that the plea of the women wrestlers may be listed for hearing on Friday. However, after hearing some arguments from senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who mentioned the matter, it decided to take up the case straightaway, reports.
Several politicians, including former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and 'khap' leaders on April 25 met with the protesting wrestlers and extended their support to them. In the above picture, former MP Pappu Yadav can be seen with wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik during their protest at Jantar Mantar. Hooda, Udit Raj, another Congress leader, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, who was stopped from joining the stir by the wrestlers in January, were welcomed by the wrestlers, a day after they had sought support from all quarters.
Wrestlers meets Rajya Sabha MP and eminent lawyer Kapil Sibal at his residence in New Delhi, Tuesday, April 25, 2023. Wrestlers have been protesting against WFI President.
The top court was initially of the view that the plea of the women wrestlers may be listed for hearing on Friday, April 28. However, after hearing some arguments from senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who mentioned the matter, it decided to take up the case straightaway. The bench said normally a remedy to approach police is available under Section 156 (police officers' power to investigate cognisable cases) of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Sibal alleged that seven wrestlers, including a minor, have made alleged sexual harassment allegations but no FIR has been lodged so far despite the law being very clear on this aspect.
Wrestlers warm up during a training session near Jantar Mantar during their protest, in New Delhi on April 27. The wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, alleged that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief is now resorting to strong arm tactics and trying to break the "victims" by issuing threats and offering bribes.
Former J&K governor Satya Pal Malik with protesting wrestlers speaks during his visit at Jantar Mantar on April 26, 2023. Vinesh Phogat claimed that the Delhi police has leaked names of the victims to Brij Bhushan, who is using Haryana Wrestling Association secretary general Rakesh and coach Mahavir Prasad Bishnoi to threaten the families of the women wrestlers, who have filed complaints against the WFI chief.
Farmer leader Naresh Tikait with wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Sangita Phogat during their protest at Jantar Mantar. On April 26, The Delhi Police told the Supreme Court that some kind of preliminary probe was needed before it can proceed with the registration of an FIR over sexual harassment allegations levelled by seven women wrestlers against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The Delhi Commission For Women (DCW) demanded registration of an FIR against police officers for not lodging a case in connection with the sexual harassment allegations levelled by women wrestlers against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The Commission accused the police of failing to ensure safety and security of the complainants and leaking their identity while terming it as a matter of serious concern. The DCW recommended that the survivors and their families should be provided proper security immediately.
Rashtriya Lok Dal Party leader Jayant Chaudhary with wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Sangita Phogat during their protest at Jantar Mantar. On April 27, coming down heavily on the aggrieved wrestlers, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha said the grapplers lacked discipline as they hit the streets to resume their protest against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. "Our feeling is that for sexual harassment complaints, IOA has a committee and athletes' commission. Instead of going to the street (again), they should have come to us, but they have not at all come to IOA," Usha told reporters after the sports body's executive committee meeting. "Wrestlers staging protest on streets amounts to indiscipline. It is tarnishing the image of India," Usha told reporters.
Accused of sexual harassment by India's top wrestlers, under-fire national federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Thursday indicated that he will fight with all his might to prove his innocence. "Friends, the day I reflect on my life, what I gained or lost, the day I feel I don't have the strength to fight, the day I feel helpless, I won't like to live a life like that. Instead of living such a life, I would wish that death embraces me," he said.
