Wrestlers won’t be allowed at Jantar Mantar, can protest elsewhere: police

Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik and World Championship medallist Vinesh Phogat were among the over 700 detained on Sunday. They were dragged, lifted off the road and put into police vans when they tried to cross security barricades and march to the new Parliament building, outside which a women’s mahapanchayat was scheduled.

Security personnel detain wrestler Vinesh Phogat during wrestlers’ protest march towards new Parliament building, in New Delhi, Sunday, May 28, 2023. (PTI)

“As you know, we were marching peacefully yesterday, but the police detained and registered FIRs against us. We did not destroy any public property. There were 20-30 police personnel trying to detain one woman. I want to tell our supporters who are waiting for us that today (Monday), we were planning how to take our protest forward. The protests will continue and we are not backing down,” Malik said in a video clip on Monday.

“The demonstration by the wrestlers was going on smoothly at Jantar Mantar. On Sunday, the protesters flouted the law in a frenzy… despite our requests. Hence, we cleared the site and ended the dharna… If the wrestlers apply for permission to stage their sit-in again in the future, they will be allowed to do so at any suitable notified place other than Jantar Mantar,” DCP (New Delhi) Pranav Tayal tweeted.

While the Jantar Mantar is a notified site for protests, senior officers said police permission is required for a protest, especially if it stretches into days.

“Everyone can stage a protest at Jantar Mantar but it can’t be a continuous one. They can’t have a 35-day protest and set up camps. Despite breaking the norms, we didn’t take any action because they were sitting peacefully. However, yesterday, they broke all laws and assaulted officers on duty. They can’t march to the new Parliament because it’s a matter of national security,” said a senior officer from Delhi Police headquarters who did not want to be named.

“We can’t allow them again. Under Supreme Court guidelines, we are well within our right to stop a protest where it’s anticipated that the protesters will harm law and order. Since they have violated the law before, we won’t give them permission. If they come, we will take action and make detentions or arrests. One of the female constables was kicked and assaulted by the wrestlers. She has been admitted to hospital and is still undergoing treatment,” said the officer.

The wrestlers have been protesting at Jantar Mantar since April 23 to demand the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India president and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment by seven female wrestlers, including a minor. Singh has been named in two FIRs registered by the Delhi Police on April 28, including one under the POCSO Act pertaining to the allegations of the minor wrestler.

The wrestlers have been booked under IPC Sections 147 (rioting), 149 (unlawful assembly), 186 (obstructing public servant in duty), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty), 353 (assault to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and Section 3 of Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

While most of the sections are bailable, Section 353 is a non-bailable offence.

“We have not arrested anyone yet. We are giving them warning and providing them with the option to protest peacefully somewhere else. They haven’t applied for a permit yet,” said an officer.

While the wrestlers have alleged that the police took away Vinesh and Sakshi’s phones, a Delhi Police spokesperson denied the allegation. “Their phones were not taken away. Sakshi and others were posting tweets every hour or so. In any case, police can take away their phones, as it is within the law,” said another officer.

Meanwhile, Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra denounced the police action. “Last night was sleepless, haunted by the horrifying images of my fellow Indian wrestlers protesting. It’s high time we establish independent safeguarding measures across sporting organisations. We must ensure that if such situations arise, they are dealt with utmost sensitivity and respect. Every athlete deserves a safe and empowering environment,” he tweeted.

“Why does it have to come down to our wrestlers being dragged around without any consideration? This isn’t the way to treat anyone. I really hope this whole situation is assessed the way it should be,” tweeted India football captain Sunil Chhetri.

“I’m so sad to see the visuals of our athletes… Please solve this ASAP,” cricketer Irfan Pathan tweeted.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BSP leader Mayawati also tweeted in support of the wrestlers. “Our daughters who have brought laurels for the nation on global stage have been forced to protest and demand action against WFI chief on allegations of sexual harassment. I urge the central government to come forward and deliver justice to these daughters,” she said.

Former UP CM and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav tweeted: “The incident at Jantar Mantar has made it clear that BJP’s slogans on women’s safety and security are hollow and means of trying grab votes.”

The Congress said the government’s inaction was emboldening criminals to commit crimes against women. “It took one week to file an FIR against a sexual offender and few hours to file FIR against those who did us proud by winning medals,” said Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed.

Amid the criticism, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said in Ahmedabad: “Nobody has stopped you (from protesting) at the place given to you. Some days back, a candlelight march also happened… Nobody has ever stopped you. (When) the Delhi Police has said before the Supreme Court that FIRs have been registered and investigations are on, all should get their statements registered. Once the investigations are over, appropriate action will be taken.” —With PTI