Protesting wrestlers move Supreme Court seeking FIR against WFI chief

Top athletes resumed their protest nearly after three months at Delhi's Jantar Mantar against the WFI chief for allegedly sexually assaulting women wrestlers.

Updated on: Apr 24, 2023, 13:53:34 IST

By HT News Desk | Written by Snehashish Roy

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Top wrestlers including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia have moved the Supreme Court seeking FIR against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over alleged sexual harassment issue, according to news agency ANI. They resumed their protest nearly after three months at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Sunday against the WFI chief and other coaches for allegedly sexually assaulting women wrestlers.

New Delhi: Wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and others during their protest dharna at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi. (PTI)

Also read: Swati Maliwal's SOS letter to cops as top wrestlers protest again

Meanwhile, Delhi Police has sought a report from the investigating committee that was set up by the Union sports ministry to probe the allegations, according to top official. A total of seven complaints have been received against the WFI chief. "As part of inquiry, we have sought a report from the probe committee set up by Sports Ministry to look into the allegations of sexual harassment allegations levelled against WFI chief," the top official said.

A five-member oversight committee, headed by legendary boxer Mary Kom, was formed in January by the Union ministry after discussions with wrestlers. The body was tasked with overlooking day-to-day activities of WFI. The committee was also asked to look into the allegations against Brij Bhushan, a BJP leader and a muscleman with criminal history.

Several national award wining athletes spent night on foothpath demanding the government to publicise the findings of the oversight committee.

Ace wrestler Bajrang Punia earlier said ‘all parties are welcome’ this time to take part in their stir and added that they won't back down until action is taken against Brij Bhushan.

"...This time, all parties are welcome to join our protest whether it is BJP, Congress, AAP or any other party.....we're not affiliated with any party...," he said.

(With ANI inputs)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.