Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik, along with fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, had a “normal conversation” with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding their ongoing protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. No final solution was reached during the meeting, and the wrestlers reiterated their demand for the accused to be arrested.
The protest stems from allegations of sexual harassment made by seven wrestlers, including one minor, against Brij Bhushan. Singh has denied the charges, and the wrestlers are demanding his arrest. Prior to meeting with Amit Shah, the wrestlers had spoken with Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, who assured them of a fair investigation into the allegations.
The meeting with Shah, held late at night, followed the wrestlers’ attempt to immerse their medals in the Ganga river, which was thwarted by farmers’ leader Rakesh Tikait. Tikait had issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding Singh’s arrest before June 9.
During the meeting, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Vinesh Phogat presented two demands: the arrest of Brij Bhushan and the appointment of honest officials in the wrestling federation. Sakshi Malik clarified that rumors of her withdrawal from the protest were false and that she had returned to her office temporarily to finish pending work. The wrestlers expressed their commitment to continue the protest until justice is served.
The Delhi police have registered multiple complaints and two FIRs against Brij Bhushan, including one under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Despite the ongoing protests, the final resolution of the issue remains unresolved.
