Indus Valley Times

NEW DELHI,MAY 7 : Farmers who joined top wrestlers in protest against Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Singh, accused of sexual harassment and intimidation, gave an ultimatum to the Union government on Sunday.

The Khap panchayat leaders along with protesting wrestlers gave a 15-day deadline to the government to take action against Brij Bhushan Singh, also a BJP MP. They have demanded the arrest of the federation chief, who faces two FIRs including one under the Pocso Act.

Breaking down the wrestlers’ protest in 5 quick points

Addressing a press conference, farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said wrestlers should continue their agitation and if Brij Bhushan is not arrested by May 21, a decision on the future course of action will be taken on that day. He said insult to wrestlers would not be tolerated.

Several top wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, have been protesting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar seeking Brij Bhushan Singh’s arrest and ouster from the federation. They were joined by leaders of Khap panchayat, farmer and labour unions today.

Not a criminal, says WFI chief; calls wrestlers’ protest ‘politically motivated’

In the face of growing protests, Brij Bhushan Singh, who has remained defiant of not quitting his post, said he would hang himself if even a single allegation against him is proved.

With the Samyukta Kisan Morcha extending support to the wrestlers, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh urged farmer leaders to wait for the outcome of the probe. Singh, the BJP MP from Kaiserganj, again claimed he was innocent and alleged that he was targeted as he had brought reforms in the selection process for wrestlers.

In a 25-minute video posted on Facebook on Saturday night, he said, “From the first day I had said that if charges against me are proven, I will hang myself. Believe me, if daughters of your village are into wrestling, then ask them when no one is around if the allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh depict what Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is. After that, you can do whatever you want.”

“But, one thing I would say with folded hands is that when the probe is complete, I will come to your khap panchayat. If I am guilty, you can beat me to death with shoes,” he added.

Top wrestlers first came out in protest against the WFI chief in January, accusing him of sexual exploitation. They had demanded that WFI be disbanded and its president be removed. The sports ministry then formed an oversight committee headed by boxing great MC Mary Kom on January 23 and asked it to submit its findings in one month. The government is yet to make the findings public.

On May 3, a scuffle broke out between the wrestlers and some police personnel, leading to head injuries to a couple of protesters. The wrestlers alleged they were manhandled by the police personnel, but Delhi Police denied they used force against the grapplers.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made at Jantar Mantar. Security forces have been deployed and activities at the protest site are being monitored round the clock through CCTVs to ensure that no untoward incident takes place.

-PTI