'When, where, how?': WFI's Brij Bhushan on wrestlers' harassment allegations
Addressing a public meeting in Uttar Pradesh's Mau, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Monday taunted the protesting wrestlers, who accused him of sexual harassment, saying they haven't revealed any details to back their allegations. Questioning the specifics of their accusations, he said, "When did it happen? Where did it happen? What exactly happened? How did it happen?"
Why does this story matter?
The wrestlers have been protesting against Singh for a month at Delhi's Jantar Mantar after their demand for action in January made no headway. Seven female wrestlers—including a minor—leveled sexual harassment allegations against him. Since the charges were made public, both sides have leveled allegations and counter-allegations. Singh is an MP from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is accused of protecting him.
Ready for narco test, should be broadcast live: Protesting wrestlers
The WFI chief earlier said he was ready to face a narco or polygraph test, provided wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat also undergo the same. Phogat and Punia said not just them but all the complainants were also ready to undergo the test, which should be broadcast live "so that the entire country knows about his cruelty to the daughters of the country."
Accused coaches must face narco test: Wrestlers
The protesting wrestlers said that not just Singh but coaches Vinod Tomar, Jitendra, and Dhirendra, who have also been accused of sexually harassing wrestlers along with Singh, must undergo a narco test. Speaking in Lucknow around two weeks ago, Singh said that he would hang himself if the allegations were proven true. He has maintained that the case is a conspiracy against him.
Singh to hold rally in Ayodhya next month
Notably, the wrestlers have accused the government of delaying the release of the committee's report that was formed to probe their allegations. They highlighted how the WFI has resumed its activities despite the investigation being underway. Earlier, the Delhi Police reluctantly registered two FIRs against Singh on April 28 after being rapped by the Supreme Court a week after the wrestlers lodged their complaint.
