In a recent development surrounding the ongoing protests against alleged sexual harassment by the wrestling federation chief, Bajrang Punia, the renowned wrestler and Olympic medallist, has responded strongly to a retired IPS officer’s controversial tweet. The retired officer had stated that the protesters, including Punia, “will be shot, if needed.” This exchange comes after a clash between wrestlers and Delhi police during a march to the newly inaugurated Parliament building.
The protests began over a month ago, with wrestlers raising their voices against the wrestling federation chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is also a BJP MP. Accusations of sexual harassment have been levied against Singh, prompting a sustained demonstration by several prominent wrestlers, including Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshee Malikkh.
The clash between the wrestlers and the Delhi police during their march to the new Parliament building led to shocking scenes of policemen manhandling Vinesh Phogat and Sakshee Malikkh. These distressing images quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing attention to the situation and intensifying public scrutiny.
Dr. NC Asthana, a retired IPS officer and self-described nuclear physicist and author, took to Twitter and posted a provocative message in response to a news report about Punia’s supposed dare to the police. Dr. Asthana’s tweet stated, “You will be shot, if needed. But not if you tell us to. We have just dragged and dumped you like a sack of garbage. Section 129 empowers police to shoot. That wish will be fulfilled if the circumstances demand. But for that, you need to be educated. Will meet again on the postmortem table.”
In a direct response to the retired officer’s alarming tweet, Bajrang Punia tweeted in Hindi, “This IPS officer is talking about shooting us. Brother, we are in front of you, tell us where to come. I swear we will take bullets on our chest.” Punia expressed that the wrestlers have already endured numerous challenges during their protest and asserted that they are ready to face anything, including bullets.
The Delhi Police have registered two cases against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, including one under the stringent law against child abuse. Moreover, the wrestlers, including Punia, Phogat, and Malikkh, have been named in a case filed by the police, which includes charges of rioting, unlawful assembly, and obstructing public servants from performing their duties.
In response to the ongoing protests, the Delhi Police dismantled the wrestlers’ sit-in at Jantar Mantar and announced that no further demonstrations would be permitted at that location. However, the police stated that future applications for sit-in protests would be allowed at alternative suitable and notified places, apart from Jantar Mantar.
As the controversy surrounding the wrestling federation chief and the ongoing protests persist, the exchange between Bajrang Punia and the retired IPS officer has added a new dimension to the already tense situation. The wrestlers remain determined to seek justice and continue their fight against sexual harassment in the sport, displaying their unwavering commitment to their cause.
It remains to be seen how this exchange will impact the larger movement and if it will lead to further dialogue and action on the part of authorities regarding the allegations of sexual harassment within the wrestling federation.
