Amid Wrestlers’ Protest, WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh Posts ‘Wish To Embrace Death’ Video’ – WATCH

New Delhi: Amid contemporary protests and a sit-in by the nation’s prime wrestlers, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment, has launched a personalised video saying he would want to embrace loss of life the day he feels helpless. “Friends, the day I introspect on what I gained or lost, and feel that I no longer have the strength to fight; the day I feel helpless, I would wish for death as I won`t be living a life like that. Instead of living such a life, I would wish that death takes me in its embrace,” BJP MP Brij Bhushan mentioned within the video.

VIDEO | WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh reacts to the sexual harassment fees in opposition to him. pic.twitter.com/HOdwVCWCIa
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 27, 2023

Star Indian wrestlers akin to Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia and others are holding a protest in opposition to the WFI chief, accusing him of sexual harassment and mistreatment of feminine athletes.

IOA Chief PT Usha Slams Wrestlers

Meanwhile, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha mentioned the wrestlers ought to have approached the physique earlier as a substitute of taking to the streets in opposition to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president. “Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has a committee to deal with complaints of sexual harassment. Instead of taking to the streets, they (the protesting wrestlers) could have come to us earlier. But they did not. This isn`t good for our sports. They should have shown some discipline,” Usha instructed reporters.

The IOA president`s assertion drew the ire of the protesting wrestlers, who referred to as it “insensitive”. Commonwealth Games gold medalist Sakshi Malik mentioned, “Being a woman athlete, she (PT Usha) is not listening to other women athletes. We have followed her since childhood and were inspired by her. Where is the indiscipline here? We are holding a peaceful protest.”

Vinesh Phogat, the CWG and World Championship medalist, echoed the chorus. Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra supported the wrestlers with a tweet on Wednesday. “As athletes, we train hard every day to represent our country on the international stage. It is deeply concerning to see our athletes finding it necessary to protest on the streets regarding the allegations of harassment in the Indian wrestling administration,” Bindra tweeted.

“My heart goes out to all those who have been affected. We must ensure that this issue is handled properly, with the athletes` concerns heard and addressed fairly and independently. This incident highlights the crucial need for a proper safeguarding mechanism that can prevent harassment and ensure justice for those affected. We must work towards creating a safe and secure environment for all athletes to thrive in,” he added.

Candlelight March At Jantar Mantar

Over the final 4 days, the wrestlers have slept and skilled on the protest website, close to the Jantar Mantar within the nationwide capital. On Wednesday, the grapplers held a candlelight march at Jantar Mantar in opposition to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president. Vinesh Phoghat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik have been current within the march.

Speaking to the media, Sakshi Malik mentioned, “We urge PM Modi to listen to our Mann Ki Baat. Even Smriti Irani-ji is not listening to us. We are trying to show them the light through this candlelight march. “The ace wrestler mentioned no FIR has been filed even after they lodged a criticism in opposition to the WFI chief on Friday. “We are now counting on the Supreme Court to give us justice,” mentioned Sakshi.

Further Probe Needed Before Filing A Case: Delhi Police

Delhi Police has submitted earlier than the Supreme Court {that a} preliminary inquiry can be wanted earlier than lodging an FIR in opposition to WFI president Brij Bhushan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment. Delhi Police apprised the court docket that the police felt that there have been some points that wanted preliminary inquiry. However, it clarified that it has no hesitation in submitting an FIR instantly if the court docket directs it to take action.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud mentioned the matter is scheduled to be heard on Friday and the bench will take a look at all the materials.

SC Notice To Delhi Police

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued discover to Delhi Police on the wrestler`s plea in search of an pressing listening to on a petition in search of registration of FIR in opposition to WFI president Brij Bhushan. The court docket famous that there are critical allegations within the petition by wrestlers who’ve represented India.

The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports introduced on Monday that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) might be forming an advert-hoc committee to conduct the elections for the Executive Committee of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) inside 45 days of its formation, to handle day-to-day affairs of the physique, together with the choice of athletes and making entries for the participation of gamers in worldwide occasions.

This committee might be functioning for an interim interval until a brand new Executive Committee takes cost. In gentle of the protests by a few of the nation`s most adopted and celebrated grapplers earlier in January, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports had introduced the formation of an `oversight committee` to probe allegations in opposition to the WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and different coaches. The committee, headed by Olympian MC Mary Kom, was tasked with probing the fees and submitting a report back to the ministry.