Top wrestlers in India, including Vinesh, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, have been protesting since Sunday. They are demanding criminal action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), over alleged sexual harassment and intimidation. The Delhi Police has registered two FIRs in connection with sexual harassment allegations against Singh. One FIR pertains to allegations levelled by a minor, while the other is for carrying out comprehensive investigations into complaints by adult complainants.
On Saturday, a war of words broke out between Phogat cousins Vinesh and Babita. Vinesh asked Babita not to weaken the ongoing protest by the wrestlers against Singh. In a tweet, Vinesh said, “If you are not standing for the rights of aggrieved female wrestlers, Babita sister, I request you with folded hands not to weaken our movement. It has taken years for female wrestlers to speak up against their abusers. You are also a woman, try to understand our pain.” Babita had earlier tweeted about Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s visit to Jantar Mantar to meet the protesting wrestlers. She accused Singh of misbehaving with women and insulting a Dalit woman.
The wrestlers’ protest is ongoing, and they have the support of many people in India who want to see justice served for the alleged sexual harassment and intimidation. The FIRs registered by the Delhi Police are an important step towards holding Singh accountable for his actions. It remains to be seen what further action will be taken in this case.
