Top Indian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia are protesting against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment. Phogat said it’s hard to speak up against people in power. The wrestlers are calling for Singh to be taken into custody in their second stage of protest, and claim they had their first encounter with an official before demonstrating in Jantar Mantar.
The protest has become a significant political issue, with many opposition politicians supporting the wrestlers and calling for Singh’s resignation. Singh has refused to leave the wrestling organisation as it would imply he agrees with the accusations. Phogat also criticised Thakur for allegedly creating a committee to suppress the issue and not taking action.
Earlier, the head of the WFI accused Congressman Deepender Hooda and wrestler Bajrang Punia of planning an attack on him.