Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik together with different wrestlers tackle a press convention demanding an FIR in opposition to the WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on April 24, 2023.
| Photo Credit: R.V. Moorthy
The protesting wrestlers on Monday (April 24) threatened to approach the Supreme Court of the nation if an FIR will not be lodged in opposition to WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and in addition sought to mobilise nationwide support by interesting to khaps, panchayats and several other different organisations to again their trigger.
On a day when the Sports Ministry stalled the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) election on May 7 and requested the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to type an ad-hoc committee to run day-to-day affairs of the federation, the protesting wrestlers stated 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 ladies athletes.
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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, stated they had been “manipulated” by sure folks.
“We are not going to listen to anyone now. We will be the face of the protest but we will now be guided by our gurujans (elderly) and coach- khalifas (mentors). It was a mistake to end the protest the last time around. We will not accept any mediator now, we won’t let anyone deceive us,” stated Vinesh.
“All we want is that the police files an FIR and investigates 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 Sports Ministry stalled the WFI election, saying, “… it is understood that the election to the EC (of WFI) has been scheduled on 07th May 2023. In this regard, considering the current situation, it is expedient that the said election process should be treated as null and void, and fresh elections to the EC should be conducted under a neutral body/Returning Officer.”
“… a transitory committee or Ad-Hoc Commitee may be constituted by the IOA to conduct the election of the Executive Council of WFI within 45 days of its formation and to manage the affairs of WFI, including selection of athletes and making of entries for the participation of sportspersons in international events for the interim period till the next EC takes charge,” the letter letter to IOA president PT Usha added.
The wrestlers, in the meantime, stated that they don’t have anything to do with the elections and claimed that they went to Connaught Place Police Station to lodge an FIR in opposition to the WFI president however the cops refused to entertain their plea.
While Sakshi stated they had been manipulated, Bajrang additionally stated that they need khaps and different organisations to support 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 wresters and the federal government.
However plainly wrestlers will not be pleased with the best way Babita, who was a part of the federal government’s oversight panel, carried out herself.
“Maybe she loves politics more than the wrestling now,” Vinesh stated, whereas taking a jibe at her cousin sister.
Sakshi stated their authorized group was considering approaching the apex courtroom.
“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 stated.
Asked if they might reveal the names of the victims, Vinesh stated,”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 stated that it advantages solely Brij Bhushan that he’s an MP from BJP, the celebration that’s at present working the central authorities.
“Definitely it helps. We don’t know if the government is under pressure (from party MP).”
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 or not they really feel it has develop into a battle of two states, Haryana from the place most wrestlers hail and Uttar Pradesh, the land of WFI supremo, Bajrang shot again, “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 U.P. vs Haryana. They (Brij Bhushan) have money and muscle power but we have truth on our side.”
Asked in the event that they offered strong proof earlier than the probe panel, Vinesh stated, they advised the panel that Brij Bhushan referred to as a lady wrestler in his room and tried to impose himself on her.”
The authorities had shaped a six-member panel on January 23 to examine into the sexual harassment and intimidation allegations in opposition to WFI the chief.
The panel submitted its report on April 5 however the authorities has not made pubic its findings, saying it’s nonetheless underneath examination.
