Wrestling, India: Sexual harassment
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The protest of 2023
23 April- 29 May
June 2, 2023: The Indian Express
The two FIRs filed against Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh by wrestlers allege at least two instances of demanding “sexual favours” in lieu of professional assistance; at least 15 incidents of sexual harassment that include 10 episodes of inappropriate touching, molestation that includes running hands over breasts, touching the navel; several instances of intimidation including stalking. While, the protesting wrestlers decided to throw away medals into Ganga River to protest against the high-handedness of the police, after a rethink they reversed their decision. The wrestlers said there are a couple of reasons why they changed their minds, including a phone call from a BJP leader asking for some time, and pressure from the families not to go ahead with their plans.
As the nation was watching the new Parliament building inauguration by PM Modi, wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia along with other protesters were booked for rioting and obstructing public servant in discharge of duty after a scuffle with security personnel. The Delhi Police cleared off tents, mattresses and every other item from the protest site at the Jantar Mantar.
The police, stated that they won’t be allowed to protest at the Jantar Mantar again, but they will be allowed to do so at any other suitable notified place.
These wrestlers began the protest on April 23, demanding the arrest of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, on grounds of sexual harassment of female athletes, including a minor.
As last week marked the completion of one month of the protest, here are the highlights of the protest so far.
Women targeted when they raise voice: Vinesh Phogat
Opening up to talk about raising her voice against WFI chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at Idea Exchange, wrestler Vinesh Phogat shared the emotions she felt when the fight began - fear of the police was the most prominent one. She also mentioned that filing an FIR was never a part of the plan. On the lack of support from the sports fraternity, she said, “When women raise their voices, they are targeted first”.
Justice more important that Asian Games: Bajrang Punia
Speaking to the media during the protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, demanding the arrest of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Punia said, “Justice for ‘India’s daughters’ is more important than the Asian Games medal." He also accused the WFI chief of keeping control over the federation through his family.
Opposition leaders slam Centre, join protest
Various Opposition leaders showed support to the protesting wrestlers, with West Bengal CM and Trinamool Congress chief Mamta Banerjee directing two of her party’s MPs to visit the site. Other Opposition leaders including Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met the protesting wrestlers at Jantar Mantar and lamented the government's 'support' for the WFI chief.
PT Usha says protest is tarnishing country’s image
Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha said that the protest by athletes amounts to indiscipline and is tarnishing the image of the country. After facing backlash, she met the protestors and assured support. "I am with you," she said.
Protesting wrestlers allege abuse from Police
In a late-night scuffle between the protestors and Delhi police, two of the protestors recieved head injuries. After the incident, Punia said that he is willing to return all his medals. “We are willing to give our lives also”, he said.
Sakshi Malik talks about why they decided to speak up
In an exclusive interaction with The Indian Express, Rio Olympics bronze medal-winner, Sakshi Malik talks about her decision to raise voice against Brij Bhushan Sharan years after the incident. “A lot of girls are sexually harassed but don’t have the courage to speak up immediately”, she said. She also spoke about the allegations of the protest being over-powered by politicians and farmers groups. She also mentioned that they are willing to return awards and interviews.
Wrestlers challenge Brij Bhushan to take narco test
At a press conference, Sakshi Malik said, "I challenge the WFI president to take a narco test. We are also willing to take the test. Let the truth come out in the open, who is the culprit and who is not". In response, Brij Bhushan said that he is ready to take the test on the condition that Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia take it too. The protestors further demanded that the tests be monitored by the Supreme Court.
Bhushan to flex political muscles in UP
As claimed by a BJP leader, Brij Bhushan will be contesting in 2024 Lok Sabha elections again. He addressed the Chetna Maha Rally at the Ram Katha Park in Ayodhya. He toured different districts of Uttar Pradesh’s Awadh region, including Gonda, Ayodhya, Bahraich and Basti, to invite people to the Ayodhya rally. However, BJP’s Ayodhya district president Sanjeev Singh said, “The BJP is not associated with the rally. We’ll participate only if the leadership asks us to. So far, we have received no such directions”.
Bhushan alleges laws to protect women being misused
Facing multiple FIRs from various victims of sexual assault including a minor, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh alleged that the laws to protect women are being misused by the protestors. Here’s more on what he said on the allegations against him.
FIR filed against Brij Bhushan allege demand for sexual favours, at least 10 cases of molestation
The minor's allegations
“Holding her tightly, pretending to get a picture clicked, the accused (Singh) squeezed her towards himself, pressed hard on her shoulder and then deliberately…brushed his hands against her breasts”.
“She clearly told the accused (Singh) she had already told him that she was not interested in having any sort of physical relationship and that he should stop stalking her…”
The FIR concerning the six adult wrestlers alleges a series of Singh’s inappropriate advances.
