• Source:JND
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INDIAN wrestlers have renewed their demand for a probe into sexual harassment allegations against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh. Top wrestlers of the country resumed their protest in New Delhi on April 23, 2023, with Olympians Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Poonia, Sangeeta Phogat and Sakshi Malik becoming the face of the agitation. Seeking an FIR against Brij Bhushan Singh, seven wrestlers approached the Supreme Court, which issued a notice to the Delhi Police. On Wednesday, the Delhi Police responded in the Supreme Court that a preliminary probe was needed before it can proceed with the registration of an FIR.

This is the second time the wrestlers have gathered in the national capital to press for their demands for investigation in the case and action against the WFI president. The previous agitation, held in January, was called off after the wrestlers received assurances from the government that their grievances would be addressed. The government had formed a five-member oversight committee, which was given one month to submit its findings. But the committee failed to submit its findings even two months after it was originally scheduled to.

Jagran English, in an exclusive interview, spoke to World Championship medalist Vinesh Phogat about the ongoing protest, demands, and their future course of action.

Here are excerpts from the conversation:

1. Today is the fourth day of the protest. How do you see the future of the protest?

Ans: We are feeling helpless, but we are hopeful as the Supreme Court has taken cognisance of the matter. However, the Delhi Police has not registered an FIR yet.

2. The National Commission of Women has not taken cognisance of the matter as DCW did.

Ans: We have put in our efforts so that the commission takes cognisance of the issue, but we have not received any response as such.

3. During the January protest, you refused to allow politicians to join the protest. Any specific reason that the protesting wrestlers have allowed them to join this time?

Ans: We didn't want to politicise the issue last time, so we refused to allow politicians to participate in the protest. Last time, there were no politicians, but still politics happened. This time, we have learned from our past mistakes and are welcoming everyone who is coming out in our support.

4. The oversight committee was asked to give the report within a set time frame. What do you think could be the reason for the delay?

Ans: It is the same reason because of which the people have been fearful for the last twelve years, as he (Brij Bhusan) is a very powerful politician with a lot of money.

5. It has been claimed at times that you didn't raise this issue back when things were happening. Why now?

Ans: No one is listening to us even now, when the top wrestlers in the country are protesting. Back then, it was not easy for us as we had no future. People in wrestling belong to families from the lower middle class, and parents strive hard for us to help us succeed. It becomes tough for us to fight with powerful people.

6. Do you have any solid proof that you can show to the top court to prove your stand?

Ans: Of course, we will present everything to the Supreme Court.

7. What were the mistakes you made last time?

Ans: During the last protest, we believed in the promise of the government, but this time we will continue our protest till we get justice.