Wrestlers Protest: The 31-member committee formed to give a verdict on the allegations against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has given a deadline for his arrest. “We can take a big call if a resolution does not come by May 21. No one has hijacked our protest, it’s just that people have joined us in our fight against injustice. These people respect us and care for our dignity,” said Vinesh Phogat before the deadline was announced. Phogat also insisted that their protest has not been hijacked by farmers. Follow Wrestler vs WFI Live Updates on InsideSport.IN
‘अन्याय‘ का पलड़ा सिर्फ
तब तक ही भारी रहता है,
जब तक ‘न्याय‘ के लिए एक
बुलंद आवाज नहीं उठाई जाती।#IStandWithMyChampions #WrestlersProtest #WeWantJustice pic.twitter.com/fkqF3dT3NG— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) May 7, 2023
Phogat on the deadline set by the committee
Vinesh Phogat, the World Championship Medallist, also hinted that the protest may become bigger if their demands are not met.
“We can take a big call if a resolution does not come by May 21. No one has hijacked our protest, it’s just that people have joined us in our fight against injustice. These people respect us and care for our dignity,” she said.
“All the women can connect to this battle of ours. The supporters have given us strength. We are ready to fight.” Asked if they are mentally prepared to shun training and competition for a long time, she replied in negative.
“We will compete definitely. We will prepare a plan how to go about it. We will surely go for competitions.” “We have just one demand that Brij Bhushan should be first arrested and then his interrogation should take place,” she said.
Wrestlers Protest: Two women wrestlers level serious allegations against Brij Bhushan Saran Singh, list out multiple instances of sexual harassment in complaints to Delhi Police – Check Out
Rakesh Tikait on the issue
Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesperson Rakesh Tikait, Khap Maham 24 chief Mehar Singh and Sankyut Kisna Morcha’s (non-political) Baldev Singh Sirsa joined the wrestlers on the dias and addressed the media.
“Many leaders from Khap panchayat and SKM attended the meeting today. We decided that members from every khap will come to the protest site every day. They will stay here during the day and return by the evening,” Tikait said before a huge gathering.
“The wrestlers’ committee will take care of the protest and we will support the wrestlers from outside. We have scheduled a meeting for May 21. If the government does not offer a resolution, we will devise our next strategy,” he added.
“If any emergency arises, if the wrestlers face any problem, the entire nation stands behind them.” There has been a heavy deployment of Rapid Action Force (RAF) at the protest site with many khap leaders and farmers joining the aggrieved wrestlers.
The turbaned farmers, clad in dhoti-kurtas, and numbering in hundreds were seen at the protest site on Sunday as a ‘Mahapanchayat’ discussed the next move on behalf of the wrestlers.
The scenes were similar to the farmers’ protest that continued for 13 months until the government repealed the law.
The Delhi Police have recorded statements of the seven women complainants under section 161 while the statements under 164 (before a magistrate) under Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) are yet to be recorded.
The wrestlers have accused Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan of sexual exploitation of several women wrestlers over a period of time and have demanded his removal.
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