The protesting wrestlers and their supporters on Thursday wore black bands, observing it as a 'Black Day' as their agitation against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brijbhushan Sharan Singh entered the 18th day.
Top Indian grapplers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Satyawart Kaidyan and Jitender Kinha all tied black bands around their foreheads while a few supporters sported them on their arms as a mark of protest.
The wrestlers have been demanding the arrest of Singh, who they have accused of sexual exploitation of several women grapplers including a minor.
The Delhi Police has filed two FIRs, including one under section 10 of the POCSO act against the BJP MP, who has denied all the charges.
"We are observing a Black Day today (Thursday) in protest against Brijbhushan Sharan Singh. We are confident of our victory as the entire nation is with us in our fight," Bajrang said.
"Day by day our protest is gaining momentum and we will continue to fight till we get justice."
NHRC notice
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports over reports that the WFI and four other bodies do not have an internal complaints committee to address sexual harassment charges, a senior official said.
The NHRC has also sent notices to the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the WFI and several other national sports federations over reports that they either do not even have an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) or a properly functional ICC as required by law, according to a statement issued by the rights panel.
