In a dramatic turn of events at the wrestlers’ protest site in Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, the police detained prominent Indian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia. The wrestlers, along with their supporters, were staging a protest against the President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexual harassment. However, their demonstration took an unexpected turn as the police intervened, leading to chaotic scenes and clashes.
The Delhi Police, citing a breach of law and order, filed First Information Reports (FIRs) against the detained wrestlers for alleged violations. The actions of the police were swiftly condemned by opposition politicians and some fellow sportspersons, who expressed their solidarity with the detained athletes.
Video footage captured the distressing scenes of police officers forcefully detaining Vinesh, Sakshi, and Bajrang, with the wrestlers resisting the authorities’ actions. The protesters had attempted to breach the barricades and march towards the newly inaugurated Parliament building. Special Commissioner of Police Dependra Pathak appealed to the wrestlers to refrain from engaging in anti-national activities on such a historic day.
The detained wrestlers and their supporters were dispersed to various locations across the capital city. However, despite their detention, Sakshi emphasized that their protest was not over and they planned to resume their agitation once released.
The police swiftly cleared the protest site, removing the protesters’ belongings and declaring that they would not be allowed to return. Pathak defended the police action, claiming that the protesters had ignored repeated warnings and had physically clashed with the officers.
The developments sparked sharp reactions from various quarters. Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra expressed his dismay at the treatment of the athletes, while West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the police’s handling of the situation.
As the dust settled, FIRs were filed against Vinesh, Sakshi, and Bajrang under several sections of the Indian Penal Code. The wrestlers had accused WFI President Brij Bhushan of sexual harassment and demanded his arrest.
The incident highlighted the heightened security measures implemented around Jantar Mantar and raised concerns about the treatment of athletes who were peacefully protesting for justice. The detained wrestlers, while in custody, voiced their frustration, questioning the priorities of a system that seemingly protected the accused while punishing those demanding justice.
The events at the protest site underscored the ongoing tensions between the wrestlers and the wrestling federation. As the wrestlers vowed to continue their fight, the incident served as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by athletes in their pursuit of justice and accountability within sports organizations.