Protesting wrestlers files petition in SC seeking FIR against WFI chief

Top wrestlers including Vinesh Phogat, moved the Supreme Court on Monday seeking registration of FIR against Brij Bhushan Singh, president of Wrestling Federation of India over sexual harassment allegations.

Women wrestlers have alleged the WFI chief of sexually assaulting them, and they have been protesting in Jantar Mantar, demanding the removal of Brij Bhushan Singh from the head office and dissolution of WFI.

Wrestlers have demanded the Centre to make public the findings of the five-member oversight committee that looked into the allegations against the WFI president. The grapplers, who included Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Ravi Dahiya, began their protest in January but ended it after an assurance from Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur.

Anurag Thakur had announced the formation of the five-member oversight committee, headed by MC Mary Kom, to look into the allegations. The panel submitted its report in the first week of April, but the ministry is yet to make its findings public.

Several female wrestlers, including a minor, have accused Singh of sexual harassment during his time at the WFI. On April 21, a complaint was also filed at the Connaught Place police station.

The Delhi Police Department has requested a report from the investigating committee and stated that they had received seven complaints and were conducting an investigation into the matter.

On Sunday, the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) said that the women wrestlers have complained alleging that they had given a written complaint to police two days back, but no FIR had been registered till now.

The wrestlers have stated that they will remain at the protest site until police file a FIR.

Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia said on Monday that, unlike the previous protest, the wrestlers were now open to political parties joining them.

“We play and win for the country, not for any party. Not only one party but everyone congratulates us on our win. So, this time, we welcome all parties and countrymen to join our protest,” Punia said.

Sakshi Malik said, “We are here since last night, there is no support from anyone. But there is hope, we are sitting to fight for justice.”