Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal on Wednesday joined the protesting wrestlers at Jantar Mantar.
Maliwal informed reporters that the DCW has sent notices to the Delhi police and Union Sports Ministry, seeking the immediate arrest of Wrestling Federation of India president Brijbhushan Singh, who is being accused of sexual harassment by star athletes like Vinesh Phogat and Sakshee Malik.
More than 30 Indian wrestlers are protesting in Delhi against the WFI chief, who has denied all the allegations against him.
“We’ve sent notices to Delhi police & Union sports ministry. Immediate justice should be served in this case. WFI President should be arrested & stern action should be taken against the coaches whose names have come up in the matter,” Maliwal was quoted as saying by ANI.
Wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat protest against ‘harrasment’ by WFI in Delhi
“I’m shocked. The women who’ve taken India to great heights have assembled in Jantar Mantar to ask for justice. It’s shameful,” Maliwal added.
Delhi | DCW chief Swati Maliwal reaches Jantar Mantar to support wrestlers protesting against alleged sexual harassment by WFI chief
I’m shocked. The women who’ve taken India to great heights have assembled in Jantar Mantar to ask for justice. It’s shameful: DCW chief S Maliwal pic.twitter.com/XhlxcluJfN
— ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2023
WFI President Rubbishes Allegations
Brijbhushan Singh responded to the allegations levelled against him by Vinesh Phogat by turning the tables on the wrestlers. Singh said he’s ready to be “hanged” if found guilty in the matter.
“Sexual harassment is a big allegation. How can I take action when my own name has been dragged into this? I am ready for an investigation.
There has been no incident of sexual harassment. If such a thing has happened, then I will hang myself: Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, President, Wrestling Federation of India https://t.co/tXcwBgswcB pic.twitter.com/EXC75eDyyQ
— ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2023
“I want to ask Vinesh Phogat, why did she wear a costume with a company’s logo on it in the Olympics? After she lost the match, I only encouraged & motivated her,” Singh added.
What the Wrestlers are Alleging
WFI के अध्यक्ष बृजभूषण शरण सिंह और महिला शिविर में कोचों ने किया पहलवानों का यौन शोषण: विनेश फोगट#VineshPhogat pic.twitter.com/JHgph6TA0X
— ςђสŇdสŇ ＲคᎥ (@chandanmedia) January 18, 2023
Three-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Vinesh Phogat told reporters that she was sexually exploited after the Tokyo Games by the WFI.
“After the Tokyo Olympics defeat, the Wrestling Federation of India mentally tortured me. I used to think of ending my life each day,” Phogat said.
