Wrestlers Allege Sexual Harassment Dating Back to 2012

Seven female wrestlers have come forward to file separate complaints against BJP MP and WFI president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The wrestlers have accused Singh of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation, citing multiple incidents ranging back to 2012 up to the present year. It’s disheartening to learn that those who are meant to be our leaders and mentors are instead allegedly engaging in such reprehensible behavior. It’s even more infuriating to know that these women have had to suffer in silence for so long, out of fear. Cases like these only serve to further highlight the issue of sexual harassment and the importance of creating a safe and equitable environment for everyone, regardless of their gender.

Allegations of sexual harassment at Brij Bhushan’s MP bungalow at Ashoka Road, New Delhi, have resurfaced, pointing to at least four separate incidents. It seems that such incidents also occurred during domestic and international tournaments catering to the wrestler community. This information was disclosed while Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, along with world championship medallist Vinesh Phogat, resumed their protests at the Jantar Mantar in Delhi. The wrestlers had initially begun the sit-in protest three months ago against Brij Bhushan, alleging several grievances, including sexual harassment. The resurfaced news heightens the urgency of the situation, and we hope that the governing bodies concerned take corrective action in the matter.

Two Indian wrestlers, Sakshi and Vinesh sat side by side, both in tears, demanding transparency in a government probe report. They passionately argued that their accusations were being dismissed without proper investigation. “Has anyone asked Brij Bhushan if he has given any proof?” Vinesh asked, referring to the alleged sexual harassment complaints against the president of Wrestling Federation of India. It was disheartening for three-time Olympic medallist Vinesh to learn that the police had not filed any FIR even after receiving complaints. Bajrang, a bronze medallist at the Tokyo Olympics, joined the duo in the fight for justice, emphasizing the importance of standing together in such battles to ensure that justice prevailed.

Wrestling in India has been in the news recently due to the controversy surrounding Brij Bhushan, the president of the Wrestling Federation of India. According to reports, Bhushan has not been responding to calls or messages from The Indian Express. The Oversight Committee’s report is still being examined, and a sports ministry official has stated that the sports ministry will remain neutral until the investigation is complete. The wrestlers have expressed their frustration and sought updates from Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, but the sports ministry officials have avoided meeting either party during this period. As things stand, the wrestlers have approached the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) in their quest for justice.

DCW president Swati Maliwal has demanded that an FIR be filed against Brij Bhushan, the former head of Wrestling Federation of India, for allegedly sexually harassing several women, including a minor. One complainant has reported receiving calls from the sports ministry instead of seeing any action taken against the accused. The fact that an IPS officer has reportedly been inquiring about the identities of the complainants is alarming and further highlights the need for a thorough investigation. It’s disheartening to hear about such cases in sport, and it is vital to hold those in positions of power accountable for their actions.

The recent police complaints against Brij Bhushan, a senior wrestler, have caused quite a stir in the wrestling community. While some are applauding the move as a step towards justice, others are saying it’s a long-overdue action. A wrestler, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that they had lodged their protest with the sports ministry but received no response, leading to the police involvement. Although senior officers have confirmed that an enquiry is underway before lodging an FIR, many leading wrestlers such as Bajrang and Vinesh have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency in the government-appointed Oversight Committee’s findings. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold, but one thing is certain: the wrestling world is watching closely.