Wrestlers’ Protest: One Month Marked by Candlelight March

Wrestlers stage candle march to India Gate, plan women-led mahapanchayat. Protests in opposition to Wrestling Federation chief proceed, demanding arrest for alleged sexual harassment.

In a month-long protest in opposition to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and BJP MP Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, prime wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia led a candlelight march to New Delhi ‘s India Gate on Tuesday. The wrestlers, supported by hundreds of vocal protesters, demanded Singh’s arrest over allegations of sexual harassment and exploitation of ladies wrestlers. The peaceable demonstration marked a big milestone of their ongoing battle for justice. The wrestlers additionally introduced plans for a ‘mahila mahapanchayat’ underneath the management of ladies and youth on Could 28, the place essential selections concerning their future plan of action will probably be made.

Demand for Justice and Arrest of Brijbhushan Singh

Bajrang Punia, chatting with reporters, expressed his satisfaction with the turnout and the peaceable nature of the protest, stating, “We’re pleased and proud that we have been capable of take out this procession in a totally peaceable method, marching from Jantar Mantar to India Gate with so many supporters with none downside. The battle for the integrity and respect of ladies will proceed on Could 28 as effectively.”

Vinesh Phogat, chatting with the media at Jantar Mantar, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming help obtained through the candlelight vigil. She highlighted the participation of varied organisations and people throughout the nation, together with farm unions, girls’s organisations, and college students, all of whom have offered power and encouragement to the protesters. She additionally voiced her hope for justice to be served swiftly, emphasising the necessity for motion following a month-long sit-in protest.

Moreover, the wrestlers are keen to interact college students and younger individuals of their trigger. Sakshi Malik’s current participation in a candlelight vigil at Jawaharlal Nehru College (JNU) underscored the significance of youth help. The wrestlers consider that the motion ought to attain a wider viewers and transcend past their fast circle. Bajrang Punia emphasised the importance of involving the nation’s youth, stating, “This motion isn’t restricted to wrestlers; it’s a battle for all girls in India.” The wrestlers additionally sought the help of varied khap and farm leaders whereas assuring that the khap panchayats would supply help within the background. In addition they introduced that any vital selections on the protest can be made after Could 28.

Singh’s Controversial Statements and Authorized Proceedings

Singh, who holds the place of BJP MP, equated Vinesh Phogat’s function to that of Manthara from the Hindu epic Ramayana throughout a public assembly. Singh has been accused of sexually harassing a number of girls wrestlers, and two FIRs have been registered in opposition to him. Singh provided to bear a lie-detector narco evaluation check, and in response, Punia and Phogat acknowledged their willingness to take the check, demanding that it’s carried out underneath the supervision of the Supreme Courtroom and broadcasted stay on tv.

Considerations about Neutral Investigation

Resulting from Singh’s political background, the protesting wrestlers have expressed apprehensions in regards to the impartiality of the continued police investigation. The Delhi Police has submitted a standing report underneath sealed cowl, informing the courtroom in regards to the formation of a Particular Investigative Group (SIT) to look into the allegations. The subsequent listening to is scheduled for Could 27.