India’s renowned wrestlers, Sakshee Malikkh, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia, who had been actively protesting against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the head of the country’s wrestling federation, have recently resumed their duties in the Railways. Their return to work took place on May 31, shortly after the protesting wrestlers were forced to leave Jantar Mantar in Delhi, where they had been staging their protest since April.
Despite resuming their duties, both Sakshee Malikkh and Bajrang Punia denied reports of withdrawing from the protest. Malikkh emphasized, “This is our fight for justice. We will not step back.” She further stated that while they are back to work in the Railways, they are also actively working on their future strategy regarding the ongoing protest.
In a significant development, the wrestlers met with Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday evening to request an impartial investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Seven female wrestlers, including a minor, have accused Singh of sexual harassment. During the meeting, Amit Shah assured the wrestlers that the law would be applied equally to all individuals involved, stating, “Let the law take its own course.”
Sakshee Malikkh confirmed that their conversation with Amit Shah was “normal” and emphasized their sole demand for the arrest of Brij Bhushan Singh. She reiterated that the protest will continue until justice is served.
Sources revealed that the wrestlers had sought a meeting with Amit Shah after their five-day deadline for action against the wrestling federation chief expired on Saturday. The wrestlers have expressed frustration, claiming that their protest against Singh has been largely ignored.
In a symbolic gesture last month, the wrestlers had announced their decision to immerse their medals into the Ganga River in Haridwar. However, they temporarily suspended their plan following intervention from farmer leader Naresh Tikait.
Earlier, during a protest march to the new parliament, the Delhi Police accused the wrestlers of rioting and breaking the law despite repeated requests. Several protesters were detained, and images of champions Vinesh Phogat and her cousin Sangeeta Phogat being restrained by the police sparked shock and outrage nationwide.
Following the police crackdown, the Delhi Police closed the Jantar Mantar protest site to the wrestlers and also prohibited them from staging a protest at India Gate.
Two First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh by the police. One FIR is based on the combined complaints of six adult wrestlers, while the other is based on the complaint of an underage wrestler’s father.
The wrestlers’ protest has gained momentum, with support pouring in from veterans in the sports fraternity and Haryana farmers.
Internationally, the United World Wrestling (UWW), the governing body of the sport, issued a statement condemning the detention of the wrestlers and criticizing the lack of progress in the investigations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The UWW reminded the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) of its commitment to hold fresh elections for the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) within 45 days and warned of possible suspension of the federation if the deadline is not met.
