New Delhi: After charging WFI President Brij Bhusan Saran Singh of sexual harassment, ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat tore apart Anurag Thakur alleging that union sports minister tried to suppress things. Phogat who has been protesting at Jantar Mantar along with other top grapplers of the country against the sexual harassment of the BJP MP, also said that it was difficult to fight against a powerful person who has been misusing his power and position for a long time.
Speaking to the media, Vinesh said, “We ended our protest after talking to Union Sports Minister (Anurag Thakur), and all the athletes had told him about the sexual harassment. He by forming a committee tried to suppress the matter there; no action was taken that time".
"Three-Four months before we sat at Jantar Mantar, we had met an official, we had told him everything that how women athletes are sexually harassed and mentally tortured when no action was taken, then we sat on Dharna," Vinesh added.
"It is very difficult to stand against a person who is misusing his power and position for so long," the Olympian said.
India's top wrestlers, including Olympic medallists Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, have been protesting against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at Jantar Mantar for several days now. They are demanding the arrest of Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment and exploitation by female wrestlers. The wrestlers have been camping at Jantar Mantar, the famous protest site in the national capital, and have been sleeping and training there.
Bajrang Punia addressed allegations that the wrestlers were protesting against new rules introduced for the Olympics. He clarified that the protest was not about the Olympics but about sexual harassment. He also stated that the federation would take trials of athletes coming from the Olympics, whoever they want.
Singh, on the other hand, has denied the allegations against him and said that if he resigns from his post, it would mean that he has accepted the allegations. He also claimed that 90% of Haryana players stand with him while only one wrestling family continues to protest at Jantar Mantar.
The wrestlers have been holding candle marches and urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to listen to their 'Mann Ki Baat.' They want justice and are determined to continue their protest until Singh is sent behind bars.
The Delhi Police have registered two FIRs against Singh over allegations of sexual harassment and exploitation of female wrestlers. The wrestlers have been demanding his arrest and want justice to be served. The protest has gained momentum and support from various quarters, and the wrestlers have vowed to continue their struggle until justice is served.
