Delhi Wrestlers' Protest: From Allegations Of Sexual Assault To Confrontation At Jantar Mantar

New Delhi: The wrestlers' protest in Delhi has taken a dramatic turn with a clash between India's top wrestlers and athletes and the Delhi Police at Jantar Mantar. The incident has triggered a wave of political implications, especially as it coincided with the launch of the new Parliament building. This article provides an overview of the events and the ongoing developments in the wrestlers' protests.

Clash at Jantar Mantar : Wrestlers' Standoff with Delhi Police:
On May 28, the protesting wrestlers, led by prominent athletes Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, engaged in a clash with the Delhi Police outside Jantar Mantar. Disturbing visuals emerged, showing wrestlers being dragged and detained by the authorities during their protest march. The wrestlers have been protesting for over a month, demanding the resignation of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, whom they accused of sexually assaulting multiple female athletes during his tenure.

Allegations Against WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh:
The protesting wrestlers, including Olympic and Commonwealth medalists Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, have called for the immediate resignation and arrest of WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Singh, who is an MP from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been accused of sexually assaulting seven female wrestlers, including a minor athlete. However, Singh has vehemently denied all allegations and expressed willingness to undergo a narco test to prove his innocence.

Protest March Towards New Parliament Building:
On the same day as the inauguration of the new Parliament building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the protesting wrestlers attempted to march towards the site but were obstructed by heavy security arrangements in central Delhi. Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia were detained by the Delhi Police, leading to outrage as videos of their intervention by the authorities circulated on social media.

Accusations Against the Central Government:
The wrestlers now accuse the central government, led by Prime Minister Modi, of favoring their party's MP, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and failing to conduct a thorough investigation into the charges against him. They believe that the government has not shown due diligence in addressing their concerns and ensuring justice.