Protesting wrestlers move Supreme Court seeking FIR against WFI chief
Top Indian wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, moved the Supreme Court on Monday demanding an FIR against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over alleged sexual harassment, reported ANI. On Sunday, after three months, the wrestlers resumed their protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar against the WFI head and other coaches for reportedly sexually assaulting female wrestlers.
Why does this story matter?
In January, the agitating wrestlers initially demanded Singh's ouster from the WFI, but decided to end their protest after the government assured an investigation. The wrestler-turned-politician is a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and has been the head of the wrestling federation for the past 12 years. Notably, he also has numerous pending cases against him, including charges of attempt to murder and robbery.
Delhi Police demands report from committee investigating matter
On the other hand, the Delhi Police sought a report from the investigation committee set up by the Union Sports Ministry to investigate the allegations against Singh. "As part of the inquiry, we have sought a report from the probe committee...to look into the allegations of sexual harassment allegations leveled against the WFI chief," a top official was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
Know about 5-member oversight committee
Headed by iconic boxer MC Mary Kom, the Sports Ministry formed a five-member oversight committee in January after discussions with agitating wrestlers. The panel was directed to submit its report in a month's time. However, it presented its findings in April's first week, which are yet to be made public. The wrestlers initiated legal action against Singh, claiming they lost faith in the panel.
Sexual harassment complaint filed against Singh on Friday
Meanwhile, seven female wrestlers, including a minor girl, filed a sexual harassment complaint at Delhi's Connaught Place Police Station against Singh on Friday, but no FIR was filed. Furthermore, they filed a complaint with the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), following which its chairperson Swati Maliwal demanded an explanation from Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Pranav Tayal about the delay in filing an FIR.
Know about Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh
Reportedly, Singh spent his youth in Ayodhya's akhadas in Uttar Pradesh and entered politics during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in the late 1980s. As per his 2019 election affidavit, Singh was also named in the Babri demolition case. It is worth noting that the 66-year-old leader is a six-time MP, once from the Samajwadi Party (SP) and five times from the saffron party.
