Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur invites wrestlers for talks today amid protests against WFI chief

New Delhi: Union Minister Anurag Thakur has invited India’s veteran wrestlers protesting against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment. Taking to Twitter, Thakur said the government was ready to discuss their issues with the wrestlers.

In his tweet on Wednesday, he said, “The government is ready to discuss their issues with the wrestlers. I have once again invited the wrestlers for this.”

Pehalwan resumes government duties

Meanwhile, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who are leading the protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the country’s wrestling federation, have resumed their duties at the railways. Olympians Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat have been protesting since early this year to press for the removal and arrest of the WFI chief over sexual harassment allegations.

On 28 May, despite Section 144 being imposed in the area, the wrestlers planned a march and protest in front of the new parliament. He was detained by the Delhi Police on the way and an FIR was registered against him under sections 147, 149, 186, 188, 332, 353 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), section 3 of the PDPP Act. The Delhi Police has also evacuated the picket site.

After being removed from Jantar Mantar, the wrestlers reached Haridwar to immerse their medals in the Ganges. However, he later issued a five-day ultimatum to the Center to take action against the WFI chief following the intervention of farmer leader Naresh Tikait.

Two FIRs lodged against WFI chief

Delhi Police has registered 10 complaints and two FIRs against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh. The first FIR pertains to allegations made by a minor and registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, while the second FIR pertains to outraging modesty.

The WFI chief, however, has said that he will “hang himself” if even a single allegation against him is true. Speaking to the media in Gonda after the FIR was lodged, Brij Bhushan said, “Even if a single allegation against me is found to be true, I will hang myself. I stand by my statement…”

UWW condemns detention of wrestlers

United World Wrestling (UWW) has condemned the detention of wrestlers during their march to the new Parliament building. In this, action has been demanded against the WFI chief. “The UWW strongly condemns the treatment and detention of the wrestlers. It expresses its dismay at the lack of results of the investigation so far. The UWW urges the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations,” the world wrestling body said. Said. a statement.

“The UWW will request further information regarding the next General Assembly from 10A and the Ad Hoc Committee of the WFI. The time limit of 45 days that was initially set for holding this election assembly will be respected.

Failure to do so could result in the UWW suspending the federation, forcing the athletes to compete under a neutral flag. It is recalled that UWW had already taken measures in this situation by reallocating the Asian Championship to be held in New Delhi earlier this year.”

“For several months, United World Wrestling has expressed great concern over the situation in India, where wrestlers have protested against allegations of abuse and harassment by the President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The WFI President has taken note of this. has been kept aside at the initial stage and is currently not in charge,” the UWW further said.

It added, “As has already happened prior to the onset of this situation, UWW will hold a meeting with the wrestlers to inquire about their status and safety and express our support for a fair and just resolution of their concerns.” Will confirm.”