Wrestlers Continue Protest Against WFI President Brij Bhushan Singh: 5 Things To Know

India's leading wrestlers like Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia are currently protesting against the President of the Wrestling Federation of India Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh who is alleged of sexual harassment by several female wrestlers. The wrestlers are protesting against the police and government for not taking appropriate action against the Bharatiya Janta Party leader.

The wrestlers moved to the Supreme Court for justice after which the court asked Delhi police why they didn't register an FIR against Singh in such a serious matter.

In response, the police reportedly said that since the allegations are serious, they need to conduct a preliminary inquiry in the matter before registering an FIR to clear a few things. They also said that if SC directs, they will skip the inquiry and register an FIR against the WFI president.

However, the wrestlers are claiming that the police were given enough evidence against Singh to file an FIR but they ignored that because of Singh's political influence. Here are five things you should know about the Delhi police's take on the matter.

Suggested Reading: Podium To Footpath: Top Indian Wrestlers Continue Protest Against WFI Chief

5 Things About WFI Sexual Harassment Case

1. The sexual harassment allegations against Singh were made in January 2023. Seeing the agitation against the President of WFI, the Union Sports Ministry constituted a five-member committee to investigate the allegations.
2. The committee, headed by Mary Kom, presented the report however Singh was only asked to step aside from his responsibilities as the president for the time being.
3. The protesting wrestlers have claimed that they had given enough details and evidence to support the sexual harassment allegations including two anonymous wrestlers coming forward to file affidavits. They alleged that no action was taken despite the evidence.
4. Wrestlers filed a petition in SC requesting action against Delhi police for not registering an FIR against the WFI president. SC reportedly called the matter serious and asked for clarification from Delhi police about them not taking immediate action.
5. Meanwhile, wrestlers also alleged the Delhi police disclosed the identity of complainants and did not ensure the safety of the wrestlers. The wrestlers claimed that complainants were constantly getting threatening calls for their involvement in the WFI sexual harassment case.