The protesting wrestlers on Monday threatened to strategy the highest courtroom of the nation if an FIR will not be lodged towards WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and in addition sought to mobilise nationwide assist by interesting to ‘khaps’, ‘panchayats’ and a number of other different organisations to again their trigger.
On a day when the sports activities ministry stalled the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) election on May 7 and requested the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to kind an ad-hoc committee to run the day-to-day affairs of the federation, the protesting wrestlers mentioned they don’t have anything to do with the polls and would proceed to press for a correct investigation into the allegations that Singh sexually harassed girls athletes.
IPL 2023: Orange Cap Complete List of Batters with Most Runs, Check right here
Admitting that they made a mistake by ending their protest three months again, the wrestlers, led by Olympians Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, mentioned they had been ”manipulated” by sure folks.
”We are usually not going to hear to anybody now. We would be the face of the protest however we are going to now be guided by our ’gurujans’ (aged) and ’coach-khalifas’ (mentors). It was a mistake to finish the protest the final time round. We is not going to settle for any mediator now, we gained’t let anybody deceive us,” mentioned Vinesh.
“All we want is that the police file an FIR and investigate the matter. We are citizens of independent India and there are numerous channels to get justice. Won’t we get it (justice) from anywhere?”, she questioned.
The wrestlers have claimed that they went to Connaught Place Police Station to lodge an FIR towards the WFI president however the cops refused to entertain their plea.
While Sakshi mentioned they had been manipulated, Bajrang additionally mentioned that they need ‘khaps’ and different organisations to assist their stir.
“We wanted to keep it (protest) apolitical the last time around but now, we want the farmers’ organisations, the women’s organisation, the ‘khaps’ to support us.” When wrestlers had started their protest in January, former wrestler and now BJP affiliate Babita Phogat had mediated between the aggrieved wrestlers and the federal government.
However, plainly wrestlers are usually not pleased with the way in which Babita, who was a part of the federal government’s oversight panel, carried out herself.
“Maybe she loves politics more than wrestling now,” Vinesh said while taking a jibe at her cousin sister.
Sakshi said their legal team was contemplating approaching the apex court.
“We will go to the Supreme Court. If we are wrong in levelling the allegations, then a counter FIR should be filed against us,” she said.
Asked if they would reveal the names of the victims, Vinesh said, “The oversight committee was always biased against us. Only the Supreme Court will get to know the identity of the victims, not Brij Bhushan.”
Vinesh additionally mentioned that it advantages solely Brij Bhushan that he’s an MP from BJP, the social gathering that’s presently operating the central authorities.
“Definitely it helps. We don’t know if the government is under pressure (from party MP)”, Bajrang Punia said.
Bajrang added, “You should ask the government why is it quiet? When we win medals for the country, we are felicitated and now that we are on road with our demands, no one is bothered.”
On being questioned whether they feel it has become a battle of two states, Haryana from where most wrestlers hail and Uttar Pradesh, the land of WFI supremo, Bajrang shot back, “When we win medals for the country, we are known as Indian sportspersons. And now when we are fighting for justice, people label it as UP vs Haryana.”
“They (Brij Bhushan) have money and muscle power but we have truth on our side.”
Asked if they presented solid evidence before the probe panel, Vinesh said, they told the panel that Brij Bhushan called a woman wrestler in his room and tried to impose himself on her.”
IPL 2023 Points Table: Check Team Standings, Team Points, Wins, Losses & Orange Cap, Purple Cap
The authorities had shaped a six-member panel on January 23 to examine into the sexual harassment and intimidation allegations towards WFI the chief.
The panel submitted its report on April 5 however the authorities has not made public its findings, saying it’s nonetheless underneath examination.
Read all of the Latest Sports News, Check Out Orange Cap and Purple Cap holder particulars right here
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed)
