Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has appealed to protesting wrestlers to avoid taking any steps that could harm the reputation of sports or the well-being of athletes. He assured them that appropriate action would be taken once the investigation into their allegations is completed. The wrestlers had threatened to immerse their medals in the river Ganga to protest the alleged sexual harassment by former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Thakur also announced that the WFI will soon hold elections, and a new governing body will be elected. He clarified that the WFI president has stepped aside, and the Committee of Administrators, established by the Indian Olympic Association, is currently making decisions on behalf of the federation.
The minister emphasized the importance of patience and faith in the Supreme Court, the Sports Ministry, and the Delhi police, who are currently investigating the allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Thakur assured the wrestlers that their complaint was promptly addressed, and once the investigation is concluded, appropriate action will be taken.
Thakur highlighted the government’s efforts to support and strengthen sports in the country. He mentioned the increased budget for sports, the introduction of schemes like Khelo India and TOPS, and the establishment of 300 sports infrastructure facilities to fulfill the dreams of Indian athletes.
The wrestlers, including prominent names like Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia, had planned to immerse their medals in the Ganga as a symbol of protest. However, they were persuaded against it by Khap and farmer leaders at Har ki Pauri. The wrestlers are demanding the arrest of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexually harassing several female wrestlers.
Singh, on the other hand, vehemently denied the allegations and pledged to take extreme measures if even a single accusation against him is proven. He addressed a gathering in Ramnagar, stating that he considers all wrestlers to be like his own children and would not blame them, as his own efforts have contributed to their success.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the sexual harassment case against Singh is ongoing. Reports suggesting that the Delhi Police has not found sufficient evidence are inaccurate, according to officials. The police clarified that the investigation is being conducted with sensitivity and refuted claims that a final report in the matter is due to be submitted without sufficient evidence.
The wrestlers had been staging a protest at Jantar Mantar since April 23, demanding the arrest of Singh. However, they were removed by the police when they attempted to march towards the newly inaugurated Parliament building. The Delhi Police has registered two FIRs against Singh—one related to allegations from a minor under the POCSO Act and another based on complaints from women wrestlers regarding outraging modesty.
