New Delhi: Several of India’s top wrestlers have once again camped at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, accusing the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brijbhushan Sharan Singh of sexually harassing female athletes, including a minor. They say that the Delhi police is not registering a case against Singh, who is a BJP MP, because of some pressure.
The wrestlers told The Wire on Tuesday, April 25, that the families of the women who have complained of sexual harassment are getting threatening calls. Vinesh Phogat, a multiple Commonwealth Games and World Championship medal winner, claimed that she and her husband were also threatened.
Another champion wrestler, Sakshi Malik, said “We are not getting justice. It’s been three months since we filed a complaint and we are waiting helplessly. There is no action taken because the accused is from the ruling party and has protection. The names of the victims who have complained have been leaked to the accused, Brijbhushan Singh. Now, the victims and their families are receiving threatening calls to scare or manipulate them to withdraw complaints. What kind of justice is this? How will female athletes feel safe?”
Malik, an Olympic bronze medallist, said that the names of the victims have been leaked by Delhi police. “It’s been four days and there has been no FIR till now. They are bargaining for time because they think they can break their courage and take the complaint back,” she added.
Vinesh Phogat said that she told Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the threats received by the players and their families. “He promised to take care of it and asked us not to worry. But action has been taken. The prime minister had asked me to meet the sports minister. Whatever I said to the sports minister, the accused Brij Bhushan came to know each and every word.”
Anurag Thakur is the current Union minister for youth affairs and sports. “I have no idea [who leaked the conversation,] whether the sports minister or his office [but it] got leaked within 24 hours,” said Vinesh.
“Before all this, one month back, I spoke to the top officials of the Sports Authority of India and made them aware of the misbehaviour [of coaches] with female athletes. I requested them to take action. But there was no response. Instead, the same coaches were placed who were assaulting the players. With each day, our self-respect is destroyed,” Vinesh told The Wire.
Sangeeta Phogat said the wrestlers are particularly concerned about the safety of the minor girl who has complained against Brijbhushan Singh. “Since the whole country is with us, we will win this battle,” she said.
Bajrang Punia, who won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, said the wrestlers trust the judiciary. He said the committee appointed by the sports ministry has also failed to do justice. M.C. Mary Kom, who was head of the committee, has not able to do justice “due to political pressure. She herself was crying after the statement was given by victims,” said Punia.
“We are worried about the safety of women athletes. If any harm comes to the victims or their families, the Delhi police and the government will have to responsibility,” he said.