Nationalist Congress Party leader Supriya Sule has strongly criticized the police for their actions against a group of protesting wrestlers in New Delhi on Sunday. The Delhi Police detained renowned wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia on charges of violating law and order when they breached the security cordon while attempting to march towards the new Parliament building for a planned women’s ‘Mahapanchayat’.
The champion wrestlers had resumed their agitation on April 23, demanding the arrest of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The wrestlers accused Singh of sexually harassing several female grapplers, including a minor. The protest aimed to draw attention to their grievances and seek justice for the victims.
Supriya Sule, a prominent leader in the Nationalist Congress Party, condemned the police action, stating that it was an infringement on the wrestlers’ right to peaceful protest. Sule expressed solidarity with the wrestlers and called for a thorough investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment within the wrestling community. She emphasized the importance of addressing such serious accusations and ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes, especially women.
The incident took place as the wrestlers attempted to march towards the new Parliament building, where they planned to hold a women’s ‘Mahapanchayat’ to raise awareness about the alleged sexual harassment cases and demand justice. However, their movement was thwarted by the security cordon, leading to a confrontation with the police.
The Delhi Police, responsible for maintaining law and order, detained the wrestlers for breaching the security protocol and disrupting public order. While the police have the duty to ensure public safety, critics argue that their response was heavy-handed and disproportionate, particularly considering that the wrestlers were exercising their democratic right to protest peacefully.
The detained wrestlers, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, are well-respected figures in the wrestling community and have represented India at various international sporting events. Their protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former WFI chief, has garnered significant attention and support from within and outside the wrestling fraternity.
The wrestlers allege that Singh, who held a powerful position within the wrestling federation, had abused his authority and sexually harassed multiple female athletes, including a minor. They assert that such misconduct must be addressed promptly and that perpetrators must be held accountable to ensure the safety and dignity of athletes.
The protest by these prominent wrestlers serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing sexual harassment within sports and creating a safe and inclusive environment for all athletes. It also highlights the need for robust mechanisms to investigate allegations of misconduct and take appropriate action against those found guilty.
As the controversy surrounding the arrest of Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to the allegations of sexual harassment within the wrestling community. The voices of these athletes, supported by leaders like Supriya Sule, will likely play a crucial role in bringing attention to the issue and pushing for justice and systemic change within Indian sports.
