Wrestlers protested: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today (April 28) extended her full support to the ongoing wrestlers’ protest and said the culprits, irrespective of their political affiliation, should be brought to justice.
“We all must stand with the protesting wrestlers. They are speaking in one voice. Our sportspersons are the pride of our country. They are the champions,” he tweeted. In a tweet on Friday, the West Bengal CM said, “The guilty must be brought to justice, irrespective of their political affiliation. Justice must prevail. Truth must prevail.”
Indian wrestlers protested at Jantar Mantar in the national capital against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment. Top Indian wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia and many others have joined the protest against the WFI chief.
After waiting for three months, star wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia on Sunday again launched their protest against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, saying he took the step after alleging that he was involved in the matter. No action taken. No FIR has been lodged against the WFI chief. Ace India wrestler Sakshi Malik broke down in tears while interacting with the media during the wrestlers’ protest at Jantar Mantar.
“We wanted to register an FIR of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. We received the complaint two days ago but the FIR has not been registered yet. There are seven female wrestlers and one of them is a minor. We want an inquiry ” Hurry up. This is a sensitive matter. We are being falsely implicated which we cannot tolerate. We have been waiting for two and a half months but no one is listening. People are saying that we are spending force that’s why we are protesting. We have just won a medal in CWG 2022,” Sakshi Malik told the media at Jantar Mantar.
“Heard we are finished, that’s why we are protesting. For two-and-a-half months no action has been taken by the government. We cannot reveal the name of a minor. Otherwise, his name and career will be tarnished. ” ” He added.
What happened 3 months ago:
Earlier in January this year, top Indian wrestlers including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Ravi Dahiya and Sakshi Malik staged a sit-in at Jantar Mantar, demanding that Brij Bhushan be removed from the head office and the Wrestling Federation of India India should be dissolved. , He had accused the body and its chief of sexual harassment and ill-treatment of the wrestlers.
Following the protests, in January, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the formation of an ‘Inspection Committee’ to probe the allegations leveled against the Wrestling Federation of India and its chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and other coaches. This responsibility was entrusted to the committee. The task of submitting a report on this issue to the Ministry. Earlier, India’s first individual Olympic gold medal-winning shooter and Olympic Athletes Commission member Abhinav Bindra expressed support for the Indian wrestlers who are fighting against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at Jantar Mantar in the national capital. are protesting. sexual harassment allegations. Abhinav Bindra came out in support of the wrestlers’ protest in a poignant tweet on Wednesday.
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.” deemed necessary.”
“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.”
(with inputs from agencies)
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