The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), a farmers’ collective, has extended its support to the ongoing protest by wrestlers against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Singh has been accused of sexual harassment by seven female wrestlers, one of whom is a minor. The wrestlers have been staging a sit-in at Jantar Mantar since April 23, demanding action against Singh.
In response, Singh has urged farmer leaders not to make the “mistake” of protesting and to wait for the outcome of the probe into the allegations. He has claimed innocence and alleged that he was targeted because he had brought reforms to the selection process for wrestlers.
The WFI president also took potshots at leading protesters Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Vinesh Phogat over their performance during the trials. He claimed that he had made rules to ensure that every wrestler had to give the trials, but this had led to their problems increasing.
The SKM has announced that it will hold nationwide protests in support of the wrestlers, demanding the immediate arrest of Singh. SKM leaders and members have visited the protest site at Jantar Mantar to express their solidarity with the wrestlers.
Singh, a six-time MP, has been booked by Delhi police for alleged sexual harassment of wrestlers. In a 25-minute video posted on Facebook on Saturday night, Singh 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.” He has also said that he will come to the ‘khaap’ panchayat after the probe is complete and, if found guilty, will let the elders beat him to death with shoes.
The SKM has announced that an all-India agitation shall be held during May 11-18 in all state capitals, district headquarters, and talukas. Public meetings and protest marches shall be held in support of the agitating wrestlers.
