Latest update August 25,2023.
So at last the thing we feared come true. Whose responsibility is it for this debacle and dishonor to compete internationally without the display of Indian Tricolor. Really, it’s a knock-out blow dealt systematically, neglecting the equally parallel fame bought to India by wrestlers with our famed international foreign policies and achievements.
July 17,2023
Indian wrestler Sangeeta Phogat has won bronze at the Budapest Ranking Series 2023 after a remarkable comeback, dedicating her victory to those fighting crime against women. Courtesy:livemint.com
Updation July 12, 2023
The case status and proofs.
For details, please see today’s Indian Express. Following is the link
June 17,2023 8.27am
The Delhi Police procured at least 4 photographic and 3 video evidences along with statements of 70-80 witnesses and call detail records in the 6 complaints of sexual harassment, assault and stalking registered by women wrestlers.
Accordingly, the chargesheet against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, chief of the Wrestling Federation of India,was filed on Thursday by Delhi Police. The hearing for the case in the court is on June 22, cites Indian Express.
“We have mentioned each complaint separately in the chargesheet since the sux wrestlers stated multiple incidents in their complaints. For each complaint, we have cited corroborating evidence, photos, or videos. Out of 6 complaints, we have attached photographic evidence in 4,” a senior police officer said,adding that the photographs are from different tournaments and events showing the accused and the complainants. “They are photos from medal ceremonies, group photos, and other events. Some were submitted by the wrestlers while others have been retrieved from other sources, ” the officer said. ” Many of the alleged incidents cited in the complaints are from the WFI office, tournaments, camps, and events. We have also found a few videos that we have attached to corroborate the allegation. Now, it is up to the court to decide the nature of offense and punishment. We have simply put together technical evidence related to the complaints,”the officer said, cites reprt in the Indian Express.
June 16, 2023
Sakshi Malik rightly pointed out the reason and the future course. “In the POCSO case, if Brij Bhushan was arrested when the minor’s statement was first recorded before a magistrate, then the minor would not have withdrawn the complaint. And not only that. Other girls would have also come forward and complained. There was pressure and threats that I had heard. The court will have to decide what to do. If our legal team says it is a chargesheet that is strong and the case against Brij Bhushan can be fought in court, then there is hope for justice. Only if Brij Bhushan is arrested after the court hearings will women wrestlers who have been sexually harassed receive justice. “
Video courtesy: The VOP NEWS on twitter.com
Protesting wrestlers and common people, both of them now, started to understand the power abuse, valueless politics, and emerging disappointing bullying manifestations. It was particularly apparent when Sakshi Malik said that the family of the minor wrestler, who accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, was under pressure. A perception of rediffmail.com – ‘its a win win for the accused ‘ says it all.
Sometimes back, the protesting wrestlers said that they were demanding the arrest of the accused because they fear that he will misuse his powers to influence the investigation.
The case is still wide open, according to some, as the court will take the final call on July 4. The collective memory is always short, and will the will of the masses can be held by that time, only time can tell. It might not change the picture, but most certainly, diminish the already tarred reputation, bringing the illustrious party to the back seat of just another political party. Remember that the conflict is not between persons who are mere characters in this unfortunate drama, but in between the values, one faction is illuminating, and the other faction is eclipsing!
June 15,2023 .
DELHI POLICE FILED CANCELATION FOR POCSO CASE AGAINST BRIJ BHUSHAN SHARAN SINGH . NOW CHARGESHEET IS FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND STALKING. IMP: The hearing on POCSO case cancellation will be heard by the court on July 4.
Today is an important day in the wrestlers’ protest case. The wrestlers have given today’s June 15th as a deadline for police action. The Delhi Police today filed a chargesheet against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the outgoing chief of Wrestling Federation Of India. The 1500-page chargesheet is filed under section 354 345- A & 354-D. With the report about the cancellation of POCSO case by Delhi Police is in the court, popular belief in the public is of disbelief. However, the POCSO case cancellation will be heard on July 4 in the court, which might be a time killing endeavor only!
Video courtesy: INDIA TODAY TV
The Hindustan Times has reported that, The Delhi Police filed a 550-page cancellation report in the POCSO case against Brij Bhushan which was based on the allegations of the minor’s father who recorded a fresh statement later withdrawing the sexual assault charges. The cancellation has been sought by the police as no evidence was found based on the minor’s father’s statement. The hearing on the cancellation of the POSCO case will be heard on July 4.
A cancellation Report is filed in cases when no corroborative evidence is found.
The minor wrestler’s father admitted to having filed a false case against Brij Bhushan and said he was angry with Brij Bhushan because of the 2022 Under-17 Asian Championship trial final which his daughter lost.
7.00pm Rohtak villagers & Khap panchayat blocked Delhi-Rohtak highway putting up several demands, including arrest of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The highway opened up after the protesters received promise from DC, Jhazzar Shakti Singh, that the government will hold talks in 3 days regarding their demands. Video courtesy: ANI on twitter.com
June 14, 2023 1.17pm
Live Law-Indian Legal News published a report about a webinar on the wrestlers’ struggle: Accountability of Institutions organized by ANHAD and the National Alliance of People’s Movement (NAPM) where Retired Supreme Court judge Madan B Lokur said that –
‘The Supreme Court of India ought to have monitored the investigation carried out by the Delhi Police into the allegations of sexual assault and criminal intimidation against the Wrestling Federation of Indiaโs chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.’
Besides this, the retired Supreme Court judge also slammed the Delhi Police for its handling of the allegations against the WFI president, as well as its treatment of the wrestlers who have been protesting against the alleged inaction of the State machinery.’
Justice Lokur was speaking at a webinar on โThe Wrestlersโ Struggle: Accountability of Institutionsโ organised by ANHAD and the National Alliance of Peopleโs Movement (NAPM). Also on the panel were Supreme Court advocates Vrinda Grover and Shahrukh Alam, and senior journalist Bhasha Singh. The program was moderated by Anjali Bhardwaj, a transparency activist and founder of the Delhi-based Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS). We are providing a link to the indepth report by Live Law – please visit the link for the details.
โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ๐BREAKING NEWS: 8.51pmโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ๐
Video courtesy: INDIATV
โค๏ธ๐ฟ๐Haryana Government agreed to the demands of protesting Farmers. Demands were to increase MSP- Minimum Selling Price for Sunflower crop and to take back the cases registered against protesting farmers. It’s a justifying step from the government, and India expects the same justice to the demands of wrestlers. Farmes of Haryana are closely associated with wrestlers as the sports persons are their sons and daughters, and their achievements and failures and, of course, any injustice to them close to farmers’ heart.Well done.โค๏ธ๐โค๏ธ
Let’s congratulate Farmers-Kisan Morcha and Union leaders, KHAP Mahapanchayat with Haryana Government also! โค๏ธ๐ฟ ๐
The fallout of inaction in the case of wrestlers protests to demand legal action and arrest of Wrestling Federation Of India’s president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is now apparent. Sakshi Malik minced no words when she said that the wrestlers will play in Asian games only if the case is completed. Another major Fallout is what the aspiring young athletes and their parents, mentors coach thinking about the future of sports in this vast country. The prestige of the sports is raised by not the rich kids but very poor, ordinary, lower,lower middle class and middle class people who sell their houses, farms, animals, or took loans from banks to complete dreams they dreamt together. How they would be looking at their favorite sports now and even more painfully, their country! Would the mothers of young,minor sports loving girls allow the dreams to grow in their heart or abort them before they start to bloom? And what about wrestling future in the country. The medal winners are sat on protests and hardly have time for their regular practice or exercise. How they will fare in the international arena. Has anybody cared for their career prospects? Will they be martyrs who sacrificed promising looking lives over their principled stand against rowdy political power? Or, think of the new wrestlers who are just ready for the high-level competitions. Will their motivation and spirit last long? Or would they have been imagining what kind of struggle they will have to do to keep their dignity and modesty intact after they toil for their beloved country’s prestige and personal glory?
Let’s wish that this is not some diplomatic exercise to appease farmers and alienate them from injustice to wrestlers’
June 13,2023 5.50pm
The speed of the events seems to have slowed down after the Delhi police started investigation about the FIR of sexual misconduct and harassment charges by wrestlers against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The Delhi Police so far visited the house of the accused, have taken the girl wrestler to his house to recreate the scene of the crime, seized documents, and enquire with more than hundreds of persons and also asked the wrestlers too to submit videos, photographs of the crime, if they have any.
The wrestlers have given June 15 as the deadline to the administration, and the police have now started to inquire with the countries where the offense took place. The Delhi Police sought CCTV coverage and any more information about the incidents mentioned in the FIR by writing to concerned foreign wrestling Federation to prepare the chargesheet before June 15. The countries that were mentioned in the FIR are Indonesia, Bulgaria, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan.
Meanwhile, putting full stop to all speculations that may not be the candidate for approaching Loksabha election,Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh declared that he is contesting for Loksabha 2024 elections.
9.46pm
Video courtesy: News24 on twitter.com
Olympic medals winner wrestler Bajarang Punia said that if the accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is not arrested by 15 June then the protests and agitation will restart from June17.
Medal winner wrestler Sakshi Malik said that the wrestlers will play the Asian games only if the case is completed.
04.40pm
The Trinmool Congress party today objected to taking wrestler Sangeeta Phogat to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s house to recreate the sequence of events leading to sexual harassment. TMC spokesperson Saket Gokhale has asked Swati Maliwal, Chairperson, Delhi Commission for Women to look into it and speak to concerned police officer.
Saket Gokhale said that taking a woman victim in such case to the house of the main accused is an attempt to intimidate her.
June 10, 2023 10.12am
There are some glaring examples of political apathy towards the whole incident of wrestlers being harassed physically as well psychollogically.
Many political leaders visited the venue of the protest site and expressed their solidarity with wrestlers holding the ruling party responsible. But there is no consistency or any follow-up seen from the political parties. They, while discussing a possible united front of opposition, never then questioned the BJP.
No agitations, street march in Delhi, or in Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s constituency were seen. Neither the opposition tried to gather sportsmen on one common front or rallied them.
Of course, how could they? In the past, sports was never their forte; neither in spirit nor in action. BJP did motivated and provided some conducive atmosphere, but alas, squander it even more famously both nationally and intetnationally!
Even many big names from the ruling party who, at other times, hardly miss anything worth commenting, keep mum!
We all hold Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath in high esteem. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s constituency falls in his command, and he is a big name in the Uttar Pradesh, but the Yogi’s meditation hardly broke over the issue of such importance.
Perhaps these elites from the ruling party knew something since long back, too awkward to discuss publicly. Common Indian feel shameful, miserable and disappointed, and also rudderless if a political leader unleashed atrocities against the commons.
22.17 (10.17pm)
In the just concluded discussion on the Republic TV, Eye Witness International refree Jagbeer Singhji declared that he would personally go to a police station and register a complaint. The debate has taken an unexpected turn when other panelists insisted that statement as an eye witness to the sexual harassment of the minor wrestler is not sufficient. If he registers a complaint, then the case will become strong. Jagbeer Singhji then instantly declared that tomorrow he is ready to launch a complaint.
June 9,2023 6.14pm
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat also categorically told that case is still influenced by external elements. More about it given Hindustan Times website. –
– Hindustan Times has just reported that-
“This is the power of Brij Bhushan. He is busy harassing women wrestlers by using his muscle power, political power and running false narratives,” Vinesh Phogat tweeted once again demanding his arrest. “If the police arrests him instead of breaking us, there is hope of justice, otherwise no,” Vinesh added.
As the ‘wrestlers’ protest’ case is moving towards its decisive end, claims, counterclaims, legal possibilities, filed police case taken back, wrestlers girls settling issue with Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh etc news are out.All is happening at once. The wrestlers have agreed to stop protests till June 15th.
Father of the minor wrestler who accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual misconduct and filed complaint has retracted on his statement. But the international refree Jagbeer Singh, who, as a witness to that particular incident, didn’t budge from his statement. The outcome of the entire episode is tilting to and changing almost hour to hour, and it calls for all sports loving and injustice opposing people to watch very very closely indeed.
The Economic Times reported that-
The State takes over once an FIR has been registered, and the “volte-face” by the father of the minor wrestler claiming a false sexual harassment complaint was deliberately lodged against outgoing WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, will not be “decisive” and police can still proceed with its probe, legal experts said on Friday.
June 7,2023 12.32pm
Farmer Leader Rakesh Tikaitji on the talks of wrestlers with Shri.Anurag Thakur and ultimatum of June 9. Video courtesy: PTI, on Twitter.
11.24am
Green signal from Sports Ministry to talk with protesting wrestlers and wrestlers ready too! Video courtesy: News 18 from Twitter.
“The government is willing to have a discussion with the wrestlers on their issues. I have once again invited the wrestlers for the same,โ Thakur wrote via his social media past midnight on Wednesday. – As reported on indianexpress.com
Youth and Sports minister Anurag Thakur stated that the Sports Ministry is now ready to talk to wrestlers. The minister who till now kept on repeating that it’s not fair to talk with protesting wrestlers as the police investigation is not completed yet is suddenly stuck by revelation of his responsibility? And, truly , it was the duty of Sports ministry to take immediate cognizance of wrestlers’ complaints and preserve the dignity of Sports far earlier. Had the conciliatory steps were taken in time, the administration could have saved its face.
Was it the arrogance of the party that this whole episode is very trivial in nature and an assumption what level can it reach to; or the anger that the whole episode is being hijacked by Kisan Union or other parties, exhibited such prior apathy to wrestlers’ protests? And, even now, can wereally expect justice and restoration of faith?- Only time will tell. This time the party has made itself concentrate on one issue one time to handle another farmers’ uprise about MSP.
Another thing that came forth is that other political parties appeared opportunistic in expressing their solidarity with the cause. Rahul Gandhi, blinded by PM Modiโs charishmatic leadership, hardly mentioned plight of the sports persons from the stage he got internationally while he was in the United States. Only the Kisan Union and KHAP succeeded in earning respect for Sports fraternity as there is no denial of the fact that most suffering sports persons are their daughters and sons!
June 6, 2023
BREAKING NEWS: 9.28am
Just seen on Republic TV that Police has reached house of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Seized documents.
June 5, 2023
NEITHER SAKSHI MALIKKH, BAJARANG PUNIA ARE PULLING OUT OF PROTESTS NEITHER FATHER OF THE MINOR WRESTLER HAS WITHDRAWN HIS COMPLAINT.
Rumors are flying or deliberately planted on social media that complaints have been taken back, and some wrestlers pulled out of protests. After careful review, these just proved rumors!
2.42 pm
INDIA TV breaking news: Home Minister Amit Shah met wrestlers Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajarang Punia for more than one and half hour (1.40 hrs). The meeting was held yesterday night around 11pm. – INDIATV.
Today, Sonipat and Delhi will hold Mahapanchayat. Bajarang Punia said that Sakshi and Vinesh are totally broken down. Mr Amit Shah met with protesting wrestlers for the first time. It indicates that the government is serious now, and on the other hand, it may be buying more time. On many occasions, it is seen with almost all political parties that resignation is taken from a leader caught in a great sensitive controversy. High command demands resignation, compels concerned leader to submit resignation or expel from the party. This is not seen, nor indicated in any way so far in this case.
Video courtesy: INDIA TV
As there are more than five responsible persons of repute, corroborating that after some time, the girl wrestlers told them about the harassment incident that wrestlers mentioned in FIR,the case is believed to have become strong
June 4,2023 10.05am
The Consequences of the Wrestling Scandal….
The sexual scandal that broke out on bright horizons of Indian wrestling may make India to face insulting blot of International suspension & may compel Indian authorities to request UWW-United World Wrestling body to extend deadline for the election process of Wrestling Federation of India. If it fails to elect before 10th June or fails to procure extension, then India may face international suspension and may lose to compete under national flag compelling to play under a neutral flag.
Update : June 2,2023
Humble tribute to victims in Odisha train mishap. Let’s pray that their soul rest in peace ๐๐๐
6.00pm
Looking at today’s events and media quoting some sources that BJP high command was the reason behind the adjournment of much touted ‘Mahant and Sant’ rally on June5 by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, one can safely conclude that the whole episode is in conclusive phase.
On one hand, the Khaf panchayat has set 9 June as the last date to take action, Otherwise, new protests by Khap panchayats and farmers unions will begin from Jantar Mantar. And, on the other hand, insulting graphic details of FIRs evoked very strong and angry reactions from the public and awareness for the first time of what the female wrestlers went through. These two factors will make the BJP high command aware that they can not ignore the wrestlers protests anymore and have to act fast to save its tattered image from further damage. .
Todays decisive ‘Khap Mahapanchayat’ at Kurukshetra, Haryana is over. The Video from ANI shows Farmer leader Rakesh Tikaitji addressing reporters after the meeting. (Video courtesy: ANI)
INDIATV report of meeting states that khap ‘mahapanchayat’ in Haryana’s Kurukshetra district is over today (June 2). Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait gave ultimatum to Center and asked them to arrest WFI chief and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at the earliest.
“We have taken a decision that Government must address the grievances of wrestlers and he (Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh) should be arrested otherwise we will go with wrestlers to Jantar Mantar, Delhi on June 9 and will hold panchayats across the nation,” said Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait after the meeting.
4:30 pm
The legendary 1983 Cricket World Cup winning team comprising of Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, BCCI president Roger Binny expressed their anguish in a PTI released statement over detention of Olympic medals winning Wrestlers and their decision about immersion of medals. “We are distressed and disturbed at the unseemly visuals of our champion wrestlers being manhandled. We are also most concerned that they are thinking of dumping their hard earned medals into river Ganga.Thoze medals have involved years of effort, sacrifice, determination and grit and are not only their own but the nation’s pride and joy. We urge them not to take any hasty decision in this matter and also fervently hope that their grievances are heard and resolved quickly. Let the law of land prevail.”
3.00pm
In a rebuke to handling of wrestlers protests, , a BJP MP from Maharashtra Pritam Munde, daughter of late BJP leader Gopinath Munde expressed her support to wrestlers and said Whenever a woman makes a complaint as serious as this, it should be taken into consideration. The concerned authorities should thoroughly investigate the matter. I agree that any action should only be taken after investigation but what is important is you cannot overlook the complaints. If some women wrestlers are raising a serious issue, it should be immediately considered,โ She said.
2.30pm
The rally of Saints and Mahants scheduled for June 5 by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is canceled. Earlier, the beleaguered Wrestling Federation Chief said,”Where are the details about when and where such incidents (of sexual harassment)took place? (There are no details, and so these are hollow claims) Perhaps now he has received the answers to his questions. And, more likely, this might be the reason to cancel the rally. Earlier, he said that the rally would be attended by 11 lakh seers and Mahants, and the POCSO Act is partial, and we would compel the government to dilute the POCSO Act.
11.00am
Important Khap mahapanchayat to take final decision about wrestlers protests in Krukshetra, Uttar Pradesh today
8.30am
The registered FIRs by wrestlers have details of inappropriate touching and sexual harassment at the hands of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Many web portals have published graphic details. Though publication of such details seems necessary for true awareness about the attitude of top officials of sport’s apex bodies towards female players, still then it is too graphic. The female wrestlers were even afraid of going to meal alone. This alone is sufficient to feel the fear they must have been experiencing. And, such undesired and abnormal experiences must have produced a deep psychological and physical impact, which may last for a long time, affecting the performance and daily routine of the wrestlers.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is booked under IPC sections 354, 354A, 354D and 34 and also under POCSO Act. And, to the further shocking revelation, Vinod Tomar, Secretary, Wrestling Federation of India too named in the FIR.
ThePrint reported that One complainant claims she ‘couldn’t sleep or eat for days’.
“The incident of sexual harassment and stalking have left me traumatized and even today have a vivid imprint on my mind. That due to inappropriate acts and sexual harassment committed by the accused, I was so traumatized and mentally upset that it was difficult for me to focus and deliver to the best of my ability at various competitions”, the complaint says.
One really wonders about how the parents of aspiring sports persons would react to these shocking revelations. Would they continue to pursue the sports career for their children? And, what about the parents who were thinking that this would just be the right career for their athletic and energetic child? The future of sports in India is really jeopardized by this extraordinary incident in Indian Sports. Coming back to case, many in media claim that the accused may given a clean chit. There is hardly any evidence in such cases. But what about the destruction of trust, faith and security. Even more gruesome crimes may take place if the guilty remains Scot-free.
Update : June 1, 2023, A KHAP PANCHAYAT held in Sorham village in Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh after Kisan leaders persuaded wrestlers not to immerse their medals into the waters of Ganga and to hold a Khappanchayat to decide further course. Today, nearly 60 Khaps from Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh met. It is clear noe that the Bhartiya Kisan Union, Samyukt Kisan Morcha Khap panchayats from Haryana Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan will call further shots for wrestlers demands. Day by day, now, the reach of the wrestlers protests appeared to be increasing and shaping into a big movement. Watch and listen for yourself what the farmer leader Rakesh Tikaitji said about the future course of action. Video courtesy:UP Tak
the PRINT reported that, they are ready to launch a protest akin to the 2020-21 farmersโ agitation to โensure justiceโ for wrestlers protesting against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and will carry out nationwide demonstrations for their cause.
The announcement was made after a mahapanchayat held in Sorham village of Muzaffarnagar, UP, which was attended by more than 1,000 participants.
After seeing the nation getting united against the treatment met out to wrestlers, the government started damage control, and the usual political brawl of slugfest amongst the political parties also started. Meanwhile, there is every possibility of the wrestlers’ saga turning into a mass movement with the entry of Kisan Union. As per NDTV.com, BKU ( Bhartiya Kisan Morcha) leader Naresh Tikait says that several representatives of different khaps and their heads from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab Rajasthan, and Delhi will be participating in the mahapanchayat. And by the way, there is an unfinished task before the Kisan Morcha. The massive year-long farmers Protest – ‘Kisan Andolan’ against the farm laws in Delhi saw the laws were repealed, but the promises given thereby yet to be fulfilled.
Presently, It appears that the government is wondering why the nation is reacting so loudly. If we sum up the governmentโs response to the whole episode, it runs like this – (Given below the video)
-Brij Bhushan Singh has stepped aside and no more involved in daily affairs of federation, why the accusation of sexual harassment registered after a period of 7 long years, two cases are already launched against Brij Bhushan Singh, Law is taking its own course and time, the medal they earned have not only the contribution of sportspersons but govt. also spends in their training etc. The senseless justification of government inaction continues shrugging of the blame and placing over otherโs shoulders. While this senseless show continues, nobody should forget that the international recognition in both sports and foreign affairs accrued by sportsmen and government is only on the hard-earned tax payerโs money.
The confused and hurt wrestlers decided to immerse the medals won in the water of river Ganga. Naresh Tikait, leader, Bhartiya Kisan Union, somehow convinced and prevented them from doing so seeking five daysโ time to complete their demands. In a message to the media, he praised the wrestlers and said, โBecause of them, we hold our head high in the international sports arena. We will make sure they wonโt have to hang their head in shame.โ The wrestlers have now returned to their homes in silence.
In another very major event, suggesting the possible turn the events may take in the future, Bhartiya Kisam Union leader Naresh Tikait and Head of the Balyan khap have announced that they are to discuss the issue during the Maha panchayat at the historic Sauram Chaupal on Thursday. And, the wrestler issue will be the central one! West Bengal chief minister Mamta Banerjee too took out a march on the streets of Calcutta in support of wrestlers.
Meanwhile, Times of India reported that Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh while addressing a program in the Ramnagar area of Barabanki said โ I am once again saying that if even if a single allegation is proved against me, I will hang myself. It has been four months since they wanted me to be hanged, but the government is not hanging me.So, they were going to immerse their medals in the Ganga. Brij Bhushan will not be hanged by throwing medals in the Ganga. If you have proof, give it to the court, and if the court hangs me, I will accept it. All the players are like my children. Until a few days ago, they used to call me the God of wrestling. When I took over as the wrestling federation chief, India was ranked 20th in the world. After my hard work, Indiaโs name is included among the five best wrestling teams in the world. I have lived wrestling day and night. Five of the seven Olympic medals came to india during my tenure.
TV channels have shown his public address at Barabanki, and he appeared very confident. Some TV channels mentioned his demeanor and related it to a possible clean chit to him. The theory started to circulate when Delhi Police today (May 31) tweeted a rebuttal to a report by a news agency that the police did not have enough evidence to arrest BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accused of sexual harassment, but later deleted it. This was reported by thewire.in. It further says that according to news agency PTI, apart from the tweet, the Delhi policeโs public relations officer PRO had also shared a similar message in a WhatsApp group for repoters. But after the tweet was deleted, the WhatsApp message was also deleted, the report said. It seems that whatever the outcome of this black episode in Indian sports would be, the Kisan Union, Khap, and mahapanchayat may not let the smoldering embers grow cold easily.
Coming back to reactions, Congress MP Dependeer Hooda, while addressing a press conference, said that these medals are their life, they represent their struggle, their familiesโ sacrifices, and the nationโs pride. What kind of a cruel government is this. We want to ask prime minister an the government why they did not even appeal, urging the wrestlers not to immerse their medals.
Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said the wrestlers should wait for Delhi police to conclude their investigation and not take any step that may cause harm to sports or aspiring wrestlers. He said “We all are in favor of the sport and sportspersons”. Well, what Indiaโs wrestlers earned is ruined. The international image that we have projected is damaged.
United World Wrestling body โ UWW said it followed with great concern the situation in Indiaโฆ The events of these last days are even more worrying that the wrestlers were arrested and temporarily detained by the police for initiating a march of protest. The site where they sit also cleared by police. UWW firmly condemns the treatment and detention of the wrestlers. It expresses its disappointment over the lack of results of the investigations fo far. UWW urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations. Support to the hurt wrestlers pouring from sports fraternity.
National team Footballer Pritam Kotwal tweets โ Our countryโs wrestlers are fighting. Yes, this is the thing they are born to do. But this time, they are not fighting in the ring or for the medal. They are fighting on the street for justice. This is a very strong prayer from an athlete for the athlete.
Former India Captain and coach Anil Kumble on May 28 reacted that he is dismayed to hear about what transpired on May 28 with our wrestlers being manhandled. Anything can be resolved through proper dialogue. I’m hoping for a resolution at the earliest. He tweeted.
Reigning Olympic champion in javelin throw, Neeraj Chopra, wrote in a response to a video Sakshi posted on twitter โI am pained to see this. There has to be a better way to deal with this.โ
Indian footballer Sunil Chhetri โ โWhy does it have to come down to our wrestlers being fragged around without any consideration? This isnโt the way to treat anyone. I really hope this whole situation is assessed the way it should be
Prominent sportsman Boxer politician Vijender Singh tweeted โMothers will stop sending their daughters for sports after theseallegation and will further lead to deterioration of sports in the country.
The anguished words from the wrestlers will remain etched on the minds of Indian sports lovers when the protesting wrestlers expressed their agony. โThe police and authorities are treating us like criminals when the actual wrongdoer is walking free out in the open. Our lived experiences are becoming matters of laughter on tv. So much so that thereโs even talk of wanting to bring changes to the POCSO act, ever so casually. We women wrestlers feel we have nothing left in this nation. We remember when we won medals at the Olympic and world level for this country. Now, we wonder why we bothered winning?
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is 6 times Member of Parliament. Born January 8, 1957, he is a 66-year- old law graduate from Saket P.G. College, Ayodhya. He studied at Ayodhya and was involved in student politics. He is married to Ketkidevi Singh in 1981, having 3 sons and a daughter. Their elder son Shakti Singh committed suicide at just 23, reportedly blaming his father for not providing proper attention in a suicide note.
He runs more 50 educational institutes and many other by his relatives. This is his network for votes and social work which is larger than the party network in Kaiserganj constituency. He joined BJP in 1988 and remained there till 2008. In 2008, he joined the Samajwadi Party until 2014 and rejoined BJP and stayed to date. In 2009, gauging the mood people, he fought election for SP and defeated BJP candidate. In1996, he was indicted in a TADA case for allegedly harboring associates of Dawood Ibrahim (however, he was later acquitted for lack of evidence). During the Babari Masjid demolition, he was arrested with others for provoking karsevaks to demolish the mosque.
โThese are all strong men and women,โ he had said in the 2021 interview, referring to the wrestlers. โTo control them, you need someone stronger. Is there snyone stronger here than me?โ! Indian Express reported this piece on indianexpress.com dated Jan 19,2023.
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