New Delhi: A day before the Supreme Court is supposed to hear the petition filed by the seven top women wrestlers of the country seeking registration of an FIR against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the ace athletes of the country continue on their dharna (sit-in-demonstration) for the fifth consecutive day.
The wrestlers have accused Singh of sexual harassment dating back to 2012. On the fourth day of the protest, the athletes took out a candle march at Jantar Mantar and appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for justice.
The wrestlers asked Prime Minister Narednra Modi to hear their ‘Mann Ki Baat’. In a heart-warming message they said that they hope that the Prime Minister will listen to their grievances and give them time to tell their side of the story.
The wrestlers involved in the protest include athletes of national repute like Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat. They have made an arena on the Jantar-Mantar road and are practicing in the protest from early in the morning. The wrestlers are seen in a full-on fight. The athletes are refusing to move until an FIR is registered against Singh and he is arrested.
With supports pouring in from different fields, the protest of the wrestlers has become a major concern for the police and the government as well. Several prominent personalities including ace shooter Abhinav Bindra, former governor of J&K Satyapal Malik expressed their solidarity with the wrestlers.
The athletes have been demanding an independent probe into the allegations of sexual harassment against Singh. Though Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur had earlier assured the wrestlers of an independent probe but Singh continued to be the WFI chief months after the assurances were given.Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has issued notice to the Delhi Police on the petition filed by the wrestlers, and the matter has been listed for hearing on May 28.
Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud has asked for material evidence before taking any action, saying "We don't do something unless there is some material. Furnish what you have on Friday. This involves a minor." The delay in registering the FIR, especially when POCSO charges are pressed against Singh, has been a matter of concern for the petitioners.
However, on Wednesday solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Delhi Police, informed the Supreme Court that the authorities intend to conduct a preliminary inquiry before registering the FIR against Singh. If directed by the court, the police are ready to register the FIR. The court, however, refused to entertain the plea and asked Delhi police to file a petition on Friday.
The Indian Olympic Association has suspended the elections to the WFI for the time being, as a result of the allegations and protests. The wrestlers are continuing their sit-in and are determined to stay put until their demands are met. They are hoping that their voices will be heard and justice will be served.
