Probe to complete by June 15: Government assures protesting wrestlers
Top wrestlers, who have been protesting against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, said on Wednesday that the Centre has assured them of the completion of the police investigation by June 15, reported NDTV. Their statement came after a five-hour meeting with Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur. Notably, Singh is facing sexual harassment allegations by women wrestlers, including a minor.
Why does this story matter?
On January 18, the wrestlers took to the streets of New Delhi in protest, accusing Singh of sexually abusing female athletes. They called off their initial demonstrations on January 20 after meeting with Thakur and receiving assurances from the government that an oversight body would investigate the claims. However, the report was not made public, prompting them to resume their protest in April.
WFI elections to be held by June 30: Thakur
According to reports, Thakur presented a written proposal to the agitating wrestlers but uttered no word on the arrest of Singh, who is also an MP of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The proposal says that independent elections will be held to elect the new WFI president by June 30, but Singh and his family won't be able to contest.
All cases against wrestlers will be withdrawn: Government
In addition, the government has assured the withdrawal of cases filed against the grapplers, including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshee Malikkh, on May 28 when they attempted to march toward the new Parliament. Punia told reporters that the proposal will be discussed with supporting organizations, and then the decision will be conveyed to the government.
Will not stage protest until June 15: Malikkh
Meanwhile, Malikkh told PTI that the wrestlers will not stage any protest till June 15. However, this does not mean that the protest is over, she added. To note, the meeting was held after Thakur extended an open invite to the wrestlers on Twitter. The Delhi Police have filed two cases against Singh, including one under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
