Chaos erupted in the heart of India’s capital on Sunday as top wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, were detained by Delhi Police while attempting to march towards the new Parliament building. The athletes had planned a protest as part of their ongoing demand for the arrest of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), who has been accused of sexually harassing several female athletes.
The wrestlers had organized a ‘Mahila Samman Mahapanchayat’ (a women’s large assembly) to raise awareness about the alleged misconduct and to call for action against Mr. Singh. Delhi Police had increased security measures at Jantar Mantar, the designated protest site located near the parliament, but the wrestlers remained determined to proceed with their demonstration.
Tensions escalated when Vinesh Phogat and her cousin sister Sangeeta Phogat led the wrestlers in an attempt to breach the security barricades. A clash ensued between the protesters and the police officers, with shoving and pushing taking place.
“All protesters were detained and forcefully boarded onto buses by the police,” stated Dependra Pathak, Special Commissioner of Police, Law and Order. He further explained that the athletes were detained for violating law and order, and assured that legal action would be taken after a thorough inquiry.
Subsequently, the police officers proceeded to clear the protest site, which had been active since the wrestlers resumed their protest against Mr. Singh on April 23. The wrestlers, comprising Olympic medallists and Asian Games gold winners, have remained steadfast in their demand for Mr. Singh’s arrest. They emphasized that the use of force by the police would not deter them from continuing their peaceful protest and assembly.
The allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh have stirred a nationwide controversy, leading to widespread protests across the country calling for his arrest. The wrestlers’ determination to seek justice for the affected athletes has garnered significant attention and support from various quarters.
The Wrestling Federation of India has yet to issue an official statement regarding the ongoing controversy and the recent detentions. As the wrestling community and the nation at large closely monitor the developments, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and whether the wrestlers’ demands for justice will be met.
The incident highlights the ongoing struggle for accountability and fair treatment within the sporting community in India. It serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing allegations of harassment promptly and transparently, to ensure the well-being and safety of athletes and maintain the integrity of sports organizations.
As the legal proceedings progress and public pressure mounts, the focus will be on the Wrestling Federation of India to address the allegations against its chief and take appropriate action to uphold the principles of fairness, respect, and equality within the sport of wrestling.
