Wrestlers Protest LIVE: Wrestlers at Jantar Mantar have accused the police of working in favour of the WFI President Brij Bhushan Saran Singh. This comes after a scuffle broke out between the wrestlers and the police that left a couple of protestors with head injuries late on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has closed the proceedings on the plea of the wrestlers on Thursday. The Wrestlers however have confirmed that the protest are set to be continued against Wrestling Federation of India chief Brijbhushan Sharan Singh for alleged sexual harassment. Follow Wrestlers Protest LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN
VIDEO | “The way they have made us suffer, I would not want any athlete to win a medal for the country,” says wrestler Vinesh Phogat. pic.twitter.com/EpSk6dc3ZL
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 3, 2023
Star wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia expressed their concerns, stating that they are being humiliated and abused. The Delhi Police has increased security at Jantar Mantar, with multiple barricades set up around the protest site. And no one is allowed in. They have also detained a large number of supporters who were reportedly trying to join the protest.
Speaking to reporters this morning, star wrestler Vinesh Phogat said, “We will return all our medals. We are being humiliated and abused by the police.”
Supreme Court closes proceedings
Meanwhile the Supreme Court on Thursday closes the proceedings on the petition filed by 3 of the 7 women wrestlers. The SC said that the security has been provided to the wrestlers and the purpose of the petition has been served as FIR has been registered. SC also added that if the petitioners wish for something else, they can approach the magistrate or the High Court in its jurisdiction.
Wrestlers Protest LIVE: Bajrang Punia Says He Will Return His Medals
#WATCH | Delhi: If this is how the wrestlers will be treated, what will we do with the medals? Rather we will live a normal life & return all the medals & awards to the Indian Government: Wrestler Bajrang Punia at Jantar Mantar pic.twitter.com/mvXqqiFVpR
— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2023
The scuffle reportedly broke out around 11 PM when the wrestlers were bringing folding beds for sleeping. And the on-duty police personnel started asking questions about it. The wrestlers accused the police personnel of behaving badly with them and even abusing the women wrestlers.
Vinesh Phogat was emotional during a late-night media interaction, saying, “If you want to kill us, kill us. Did we win medals for the country to see this day? We have not even eaten our food. Does every man have a right to abuse women? These policemen are holding guns; they can kill us.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioners of all districts in Delhi have been asked to be on alert as a large number of people can reach Jantar Mantar. The situation at Jantar Mantar remains tense, as the protest by wrestlers against harassment has gained support and people are reportedly arriving at the site with their tractors.
Tractors On Way to Jantar Mantar
Walk to Delhi with a tractor to get justice for your daughters 🚜🚜🚜🚜#दिल्ली_पुलिस_शर्म_करो#ट्रैक्टर_लेकर_दिल्ली_चलो#दिल्ली_पुलिस_शर्म_करो #WrestlersProtestpic.twitter.com/MypyZzKCdw
— Meena tyagi (@TyagiMeena1) May 4, 2023
The authorities must take swift action to investigate the allegations made by the wrestlers and hold those responsible for any wrongdoing accountable. It is crucial to create a safe and supportive environment for women in sports and society at large, where they can thrive and achieve their goals without fear of harassment or abuse.
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