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Journalism of Courage
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is facing sexual harassment allegations from top Indian women wrestlers, has reacted to the charges with a brief video message on Thursday. Ace Indian grapplers such as Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and many other wrestlers are involved in the protest against the WFI chief.
“Friends, the day I will review my life, what I have achieved and what I have lost, and the day I will feel that my capacity to struggle has ended, the day I will feel I am helpless, I am weak, I would not like to live such kind of life and would rather like to embrace death,” Brij Bhushan said in the video posted by news agency PTI.
Lending weight to the sexual harassment charges against the BJP MP, a physiotherapist who was present at the national camp in Lucknow in 2014 has said that at least three junior women wrestlers at the camp told him how they faced “pressure” and were “asked to meet Brij Bhushan at night”.
Speaking to The Indian Express at the wrestlers’ protest in Jantar Mantar, the physiotherapist, Paramjeet Malik, said the girls had cried while confiding in their seniors about their ordeal.
Meanwhile, support for the protesting wrestlers has been continuously growing. After the former J-K governor Satyapal Malik joined the protest at national capitals’ Jantar Mantar, Olympics gold medallist Abhinav Bindra supported the wrestlers in their protest with a poignant tweet on Wednesday.
“As athletes, we train hard every day to represent our country on the international stage. It is deeply concerning to see our athletes finding it necessary to protest on the streets regarding the allegations of harassment in the Indian wrestling administration,” Bindra tweeted.
“My heart goes out to all those who have been affected. We must ensure that this issue is handled properly, with the athletes’ concerns heard and addressed fairly and independently. This incident highlights the crucial need for a proper safeguarding mechanism that can prevent harassment and ensure justice for those affected. We must work towards creating a safe and secure environment for all athletes to thrive in,” he added.
Over the previous four days, the wrestlers have slept and trained at the protest location.
On Wednesday, grapplers held a candle march at Jantar Mantar in the national capital as they continue their protest against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its president Brijbhushan Sharan Singh. Vinesh Phoghat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik were present in the candle march.
Delhi Police on Wednesday submitted before the Supreme Court that a preliminary inquiry would be needed before lodging an FIR against WFI president Brij Bhushan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment. Delhi Police apprised the court that the police felt that there were some issues that needed preliminary inquiry. However, Delhi Police clarified that it has no hesitation to lodge FIR immediately if the court orders.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said that the matter is scheduled to be heard on Friday and the bench will look at the entire material. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued notice to Delhi Police on the wrestler’s plea seeking an urgent hearing on a petition seeking registration of FIR against WFI president Brij Bhushan.
The court noted that there are serious allegations in the petition by wrestlers who have represented India.
With ANI inputs
