Indian wrestlers protesting against the chief of their federation, Brij Bhushan Singh, faced humiliation and assault by Delhi police during a protest on Monday night. The wrestlers have been protesting at Jantar Mantar in Delhi since 23 April, demanding the arrest of Singh. However, no action has been taken in favor of the protesters, and they have been facing abuse and assault from the police.
The situation escalated on Monday night when AAP politician Somnath Bharti arrived with folding beds for the wrestlers due to heavy rainfall. However, the Delhi police stopped Bharti due to permission issues, leading to a fight between the police and the protesters. Many protesters, including Vinesh Phogat’s cousin brother Dushyant Phogat, were injured during the altercation.
Vinesh Phogat alleged that a drunk police officer assaulted her brother and another pushed her while no lady police officer was present. She also claimed that the police have not recorded testimonies, despite an FIR being lodged on 28 April. The wrestlers are even planning to return their medals as they feel humiliated and abused by the police.
Other wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, accused the police of safeguarding Brij Bhushan Singh and scuppering the protests. However, the Delhi police denied any official was drunk on the site and denied beating up anyone.
The Apex Court will be hearing the plea of the seven wrestlers who filed a complaint against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh accusing him of sexual harassment on Thursday. Many political personalities are reaching Jantar Mantar in support of the wrestlers. The wrestlers are determined to continue their protest until their demands are met.