New DelhiAmid fresh protests and a sit-in by the country’s top wrestlers, sexual harassment accused Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh released a personal video saying that the day he would like to die. feels helpless. “Friends, the day I reflect on what I have gained or lost and feel that I no longer have the strength to fight, the day I feel helpless, that day I will wish for death because I will not live that kind of life To live such a life, I want death to embrace me,” BJP MP Brij Bhushan said in the video.
video | WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has reacted to the allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him. pic.twitter.com/HOdwVCWCIa– Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 27, 2023
Stars like Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia are protesting against the WFI chief alleging sexual harassment and abuse of Indian wrestlers and other female athletes.
IOA chief PT Usha targets wrestlers
Meanwhile, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha said that the wrestlers should have approached the federation first instead of hitting the streets against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president. “The 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 first. But they didn’t. It was good for us. Not there.” Play. Usha told reporters, he should have shown some discipline.
Wrestlers protesting against the IOA President’s statement termed it as ‘insensitive’. Commonwealth Games gold medalist Sakshi Malik said, “Being a woman athlete, she (PT Usha) is not listening to other women athletes. We have followed and inspired her since childhood. Where is the indiscipline here ?We are having a peaceful event.” counter.”
CWG and world championship medalist Vinesh Phogat echoed that. Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra on Wednesday tweeted his support for the wrestlers. Bindra tweeted, “As athletes, we work hard every day to represent our country on the international stage. It is very worrying that our athletes are protesting on the streets against allegations of harassment in the Indian wrestling administration.” It seems necessary to do.”
“My heart goes out to all who have been affected. We must ensure that this issue is handled properly, that athletes’ concerns are heard and addressed fairly and independently. highlights the critical need for mechanisms that can prevent harassment.” and ensure justice for those affected. We must work towards creating a safe and secure environment for all athletes in which to thrive.”
Candle March at Jantar Mantar
Over the last four days, the wrestlers slept and trained at the protest site, near Jantar Mantar in the national capital. Wrestlers on Wednesday took out a candle march at Jantar Mantar against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president. Vinesh Phoghat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik were present in the march.
While talking to the media, Sakshi Malik said, “We urge PM Modi to listen to our Mann Ki Baat. Even Smriti Irani-ji is not listening to us. We through this candlelight march Trying to show them the light.” Said that even after lodging a complaint against the WFI chief on Friday, no FIR has been registered. “We are now counting on the Supreme Court to get us justice,” Sakshi said.
More investigation needed before registering case: Delhi Police
The Delhi Police has told the Supreme Court that a preliminary inquiry would be required before registering an FIR against WFI President Brij Bhushan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment. The Delhi Police told the court that the police felt that there were certain issues which needed preliminary investigation. However, he clarified that he has no hesitation in registering an FIR immediately if the court directs him to do so.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said that the matter is to be heard on Friday and the bench will go through the entire material.
SC notice to Delhi Police
The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Delhi Police on a wrestler’s plea seeking urgent hearing on a plea seeking registration of an FIR against WFI President Brij Bhushan. The court said that there are serious allegations in the petition of wrestlers representing India.
The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Monday announced that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will set up an ad-hoc committee to conduct the elections to the Executive Committee of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) within 45 days of its formation. Managing the day-to-day affairs of the body, including the selection of athletes and making entries for the participation of sportspersons in international events.
This committee will function for an interim period till the new executive committee takes over. In the light of protests from some of the country’s most followed and celebrated wrestlers in early January, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports constituted an ‘Inspection Committee’ to probe allegations against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was announced. and other coaches. The committee, headed by Olympian MC Mary Kom, was tasked to probe the allegations and submit a report to the ministry.