‘Vinesh & Sakshi Malik told us they were tortured’: DCW chief Swati Maliwal on scuffle

A scuffle erupted between protesting wrestlers and the Delhi Police personnel at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday night.

Published on: May 4, 2023, 09:41:19 IST

By HT News Desk

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Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal again reached Jantar Mantar to meet wrestlers hours after the scuffle broke out between them and the Delhi Police personnel last night.

“I have come to meet the girls (wrestlers) again since it is my duty. Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat & Sakshi Malik told us they were being tortured, & there were police officers who were drunk & misbehaved with them. I am concerned for their safety. Why is Delhi Police protecting Brij Bhushan? Why is Delhi Police not arresting him?” Maliwal told reporters.

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She even posted a video of on her Twitter account, claiming she was not allowed to meet the wrestlers by the police. Last night, Maliwal had claimed she was forcefully arrested by the Delhi Police after she reached Jantar Mantar on hearing about the scuffle which had erupted at the protest venue.

Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal. (Twitter/ANI)

A massive political slugfest has erupted after a late-night scuffle erupted between the police and protesting wrestlers yesterday. The wrestlers alleged they were manhandled by police personnel who misbehaved with them and abused women wrestlers.

"Did we win medals for the country to see this day? We have not even eaten our food. Does every man have a right to abuse women? These police men are holding guns, they can kill us," wrestler Vinesh Phogat said as she broke down in front of the camera.

The Congress has hit out at Union home minister Amit Shah and the Delhi Police over the incident. “These are the daughters of our country, safeguarded the country's honour and won us many medals. Today the police of Home Minister Amit Shah are misbehaving with them”, the grand old party said while tweeting a video of Olympian Sakshi Malik consoling Vinesh Phogat.

The wrestlers are sitting on protest from April 23, demanding arrest of WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh alleging that he has sexually harassed seven female grapplers, including one minor.

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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

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