Wrestlers Protest At Jantar Mantar: Allegations and politics have started after the scuffle between Delhi Police and protesting wrestlers at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday (May 3) night. The wrestlers have threatened the government to return their awards and medals, including the Padma Shri.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has stopped proceedings on the petition of women wrestlers who have leveled allegations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, President of the Wrestling Federation of India. The Supreme Court had earlier taken note of the fact that an FIR has been registered in the matter and adequate security has been provided to the seven complainants.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the statements of the five complainants, including the minor, have been recorded. At the same time, after the court’s decision to close the hearing on the petition, the protesting wrestlers said that this is not a setback for them and they will continue the protest till BJP MP Brij Bhushan is arrested.
police reaction
On the 12th day of the ongoing dharna at Jantar Mantar, the Delhi Police denied the allegations that the policeman used force on them late Wednesday night in an inebriated condition. New Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Pranav Tayal said that five policemen were injured, including two women. On the other hand, the wrestlers alleged that the police had thrashed them and some had suffered head injuries.
In support of the wrestlers, the Aam Aadmi Party accused the Delhi Police of spreading false propaganda. The police in Delhi is under the control of the central government. Police have increased security arrangements by deploying additional forces at the protest site, which include installation of CCTV cameras, several barricades and strict vigil on the borders of the capital to prevent farmers from entering. Delhi Police stopped a group of farmers coming to Delhi to show solidarity with the wrestlers at the Singhu border. Officials say that 24 have been detained.
DCP Tayal said this
DCP Tayal said that a large number of women police personnel were deployed on Wednesday night. He tweeted, “The police did not use force against the protesters. As far as the injury of one protester is concerned, he left the hospital despite doctors’ refusal and has not given a statement to the police yet.
The ruckus started around 11 pm on Wednesday night when the wrestlers brought folding beds to sleep and the policemen on duty started inquiring about it as according to the rules such things are not allowed at the performance venue.
‘…then what will we do with these medals’
Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik claimed that the male police officers pushed them and used abuses at them which brought them to tears. Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia told reporters on Thursday (May 4) morning, “If wrestlers are treated like this, then what will we do with these medals.” Instead, we will lead a normal life by returning all our medals and awards to the Government of India.
Vinesh, Sakshi and Bajrang are the winners of the country’s highest sports award Khel Ratna. Sakshi (2017) and Bajrang (2019) have also been awarded the Padma Shri, the country’s fourth highest civilian award.
These leaders surrounded the BJP on the matter
Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed concern over the condition of women wrestlers and attacked the BJP. Congress prime minister Narendra Modi demanded the dismissal of Brij Bhushan.
Rahul Gandhi, Mamta Banerjee and Stalin said this
Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “This kind of treatment with the sportspersons of the country is shameful.” Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi tagged the crying video of the wrestlers and said that it is sad to see the tears of women players who have brought laurels to the country. Banerjee tweeted, “It is shameful to insult our daughters in this way. India is with its daughters and I am certainly with our wrestlers.” Stalin alleged that contrary to the Prime Minister’s false promises of women empowerment, the BJP was busy shielding an accused.
Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi said this
On the other hand, BJP leader and Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi said that the credibility of the performance of wrestlers has ended after the involvement of politicians in it. Lekhi said in a press conference that the Center is dealing with the issue of wrestlers with great sensitivity as the matter is in court.
People from different walks of life, including students of Delhi University, reached Jantar Mantar in support of the wrestlers. They raised slogans like ‘Nari Shakti Zindabad’, ‘Pahlwan Ekta Zindabad’, ‘Jo humse takrayega, chur chur ho jayega’.
What did the Supreme Court say?
A Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud refused to consider the oral plea of the wrestlers’ counsel that the ongoing investigation in the matter be monitored by a retired or serving judge of the High Court.
Justice PS Narasimha and Justice JB Pardiwala were also included in the bench. The bench said, “You had come here with a special prayer for registration of FIR and protection of the complainants. Both your requests have been accepted. If you have any other complaint, you can approach the High Court or the Magistrate concerned.” The bench said it is closing the proceedings for the time being.
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