Wrestlers' Protest: WFI President Brij Bhushan alleges conspiracy from Congress

I am MP not because of Vinesh Phogat: Brij Bhushan

“Every day they (wrestlers) are coming with their new demands. They demanded FIR, FIR was registered and now they are saying that I should be sent to jail and resign from all posts. I am MP because of people of my constituency and not becasue of Vinesh Phogat. Only one family and Akhara (are protesting) & 90% players of Haryana are with me.”

Wrestlers Protest Live: Police to record statement of minor

As per reports, Delhi Police will record the statement of the minor wrestler who had complained of sexual misconduct by WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh. The FIR has been registered under POCSO by Delhi Police. The Police will also be providing security to the protesting wrestlers as the Supreme Court had directed them to do an assessment of wrestlers' security.

Wrestlers Protest At Jantar Mantar LIVE

The wrestlers have thanked Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for visiting the protest site and standing in support of their protest. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the humiliation of wrestlers amounts to the humiliation of entire nation.

🙏🏽 https://t.co/fNkvK6rkCs

— Bajrang Punia 🇮🇳 (@BajrangPunia) April 29, 2023

Wrestlers Protest LIVE: Oversight Committee report submitted to Delhi Police

The oversight committee that was constituted to probe the allegations levelled by women wrestlers against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has not reached any conclusion and the report of the committee has been submitted to Delhi police: Sources were quoted by ANI

Wrestlers Protest: Sakshi Malik says 'they do not support any political party'

After Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh alleged Congress and some industrialists are running a smear campaign against him, wrestler Sakshi Malik was asked by media persons about the same at Jantar Mantar. She informed that wrestlers are not supporting any political party.

#WATCH | "We do not support any political party," says wrestler Sakshi Malik as they protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, in Delhi pic.twitter.com/ZCWsV8SYxe

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2023

Brij Bhushan slams protesting wrestlers

At the press conference, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh accused the wrestlers of not raising the issue in the past. “They (wrestlers) did not complain to any police station, sports ministry or federation for 12 years. Before their protest, they used to praise me, invite me to their weddings and take photographs with me, seek my blessings. Now the matter is with the Supreme Court and Delhi Police and I will accept their decision," he said.

#WATCH | I have been saying from the beginning that some industrialists and Congress are behind this protest. This is not a protest by wrestlers: Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh pic.twitter.com/LID21jnwqL

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2023

Live Updates from Wrestlers Protest: 2nd FIR copy not given to wrestlers

Delhi Police informed that they have given one copy of the FIR to the wrestlers. But the copy of FIR which has been registered under POCSO not given to wrestlers, as it will be given only to the family of the victim - who is a minor.

Wrestlers Protest Live Updates: Delhi Police reveal sections agianst WFI chief

Delhi Police handed over a copy of one FIR to wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat at Connaught Place Police Station. The have registered one FIR under sections 354, 354(A), 354(D) and 34 of the IPC. Copy of other FIR not provided to us (as it will be given only to the victim family): Narendra Hooda, lawyer of wrestlers.

Won't Resign: Brij Bhushan says at PC

Brij Bhushan was further asked by media persons if he will tender his resignation. The BJP MP said, “Resignation is not a big deal but I am not a criminal. If I resign, it will mean that I have accepted their (wrestlers') allegations. My tenure is almost over. Govt has formed a 3-member committee and elections will be held in 45 days & my term will end after the elections.”

Wrestlers Protest LIVE: Brij Bhushan claims innocence

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said at a press conference on Saturday: "I am innocent and ready to face the investigation. I am ready to cooperate with the investigative agency. I have full faith in the judiciary and I respect the order of the Supreme Court."

Priyanka Gandhi Meets Protesting Wrestlers

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived at the protest site on Saturday (April 29) to support the wrestlers and their demand for action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The Gandhi scion also accused the Modi Government of saving their party member. The Delhi Police on Friday registered 2 FIRs at Connaught Place Police Station after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of Delhi Police, informed the Supreme Court that complaints against the WFI chief will be registered on Friday (April 28).

No one is aware of what is there in the FIR which has been lodged. Why they are not showing it? When these wrestlers win medals we all tweet and feel proud but today they are sitting on road and not getting justice. All these women wrestlers struggle a lot to come to this stage.… pic.twitter.com/yXhhzkjnT7

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2023

Protesting Wrestlers Thank Supreme Court

Vinesh Phogat: "We are thankful to CJI Chandrachud sir for taking note of our complaint. We are grateful to the country for supporting us and Supreme Court for restoring our faith in the judicial system... We are grateful to Narender Hooda sir and Kapil Sibal Sir... The sport will suffer due to politics. Thank you for supporting us."

WFI trying to bribe girls: Bajrang Punia

In a fresh press conference held at Jantar Mantar, wrestler Bajrang Punia alleged that WFI officials are visiting the houses of each female wrestler and trying to buy them and pressuring them to take their complaints back. Bajrang claimed, "I don't know how this has happened but the girls who have complained are being pressured. WFI officials are taking money to their homes... If something happens to those girls, the police and the government will be responsible for this. I don't know if the names were disclosed. They have gone to every girl who has complained against WFI Chief."

SC to hear wrestlers' plea on April 28

After seeking a response from Delhi Police on the petition filed by seven women wrestlers who have alleged sexual harassment by the WFI chief, the Supreme Court has decided to hear the matter on April 28.

Services bars athletes to join protest

According to a report in The Tribune, the Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) has directed its athlete to not join the protest at Jantar Mantar. The report quoted SSCB, “All SSCB players are hereby informed that a few wrestlers are going to sit on a dharna at Jantar Mantar. All SSCB athletes are requested to keep away from the dharna."

Video recordings to prove allegations of sexual assault: Kapil Sibal tells SC

Supreme Court has sought a response from Delhi Police over the sexual harassment charges filed by women wrestlers against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Meanwhile, senior advocate Kapil Sibal told the apex court, “There are video recordings to prove allegations of sexual assault. The victims are seven women wrestlers. One of them was 16 years old at the time of harassment. She had won a gold medal." He further said that even the police personnel can be prosecuted for not registering a case under stringent sections.

Wrestlers' Protest Day 3: Supreme Court seeks response from Delhi Police

A plea in the Supreme Court has been filed by the protesting wrestlers against WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on sexual harassment charges. 'A plea mentioned in the Supreme Court by top Indian wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, seeking a FIR against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over alleged sexual harassment of women wrestlers," says Bar & Bench Twitter handle. @b_bhushansharan

#BREAKING Plea mentioned in Supreme Court by top Indian wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik seeking a FIR against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over alleged sexual harassment of women wrestlers @wfi_wrestling… pic.twitter.com/nbkDIXUnwC

— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) April 25, 2023

Rift within family: Vinesh Phogat slams cousin Babita Phogat

Earlier in the day, Vinesh Phogat slammed her cousin sister Babita Phogat - a three-time CWG medallist and a BJP politician - as the stalemate continued and she despite being part of the ruling dispensation didn't do anything to resolve it.

SAI to take wrestlers' demands forward

SAI Deputy Director General Shiv Sharma spoke for a good one hour with wrestlers Bajrang Punia, and Satyawart Kadian sitting on protest at Jantar Mantar. While interacting with media persons later, in the evening, Sharma said he'll take their demands to the government.

Wrestlers' Protest: SAI officials visit Jantar Mantar

Sports Authority of India (SAI) representatives visit the protest site at Jantar Mantar to hold talks with wrestlers who have been demanding justice and action against WFI chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

WFI elections postponed

"... it is understood that the election to the EC (of WFI) has been scheduled on 07th May 2023. In this regard, considering the current situation, it is expedient that the said election process should be treated as null and void, and fresh elections to the EC should be conducted under a neutral body/Returning Officer," a ministry letter to IOA president PT Usha said.

Sakshi Malik: Brij Bhushan getting advantage because of BJP link

Sakshi even claimed that certain groups are trying to divert attention by making it a Haryana vs UP issue. Sakshi said, "It is a shame that this is being asked of us (whether it is a Haryana vs UP thing) we are not from BJP Or congress. We are from India. Definitely, he (Brij Bhushan) is getting the advantage because he is from BJP. He has the power of money, we have the power of truth.

Sakshi Malik questions Oversight Committee

Sakshi further alleged that on the day of WFI president's deposition, there was no lawyer. "The day Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was deposing there was no lawyer. Are Rules only made for us?"

We want Supreme Court to give us justice: Sakshi Malik

Sakshi Malik said in the PC: Right now we are not going to come into these false promises (of IOA). The WFI office was open. Their people were running. We don't want to run the federation. We want FIR against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. We want SC to give us justice. Till then we are here.

'They are trying to cut our wins,' says Vinesh

"As a woman player, it is hard to come from a village to the Olympics. We want to fly. There are people who want to cut our wings," said Vinesh Phogat during the press conference at Jantar Mantar.

Wrestlers' Protest Live: Grapplers thank media in PC

Thankful to the media who stayed here when people have given up on us. We will never do anything that will make you feel disappointed.

Bajrang Punia urges Khap Panchayat to support protesting wrestlers

Meanwhile, after moving to Supreme Court, wrestler Bajrang Punia has requested the Khap Panchayat - which holds clout in Western UP and Haryana - to come in support of their protest. "We urge the Khap Panchayats to support us", Bajrang captioned the video he shared on his Twitter handle.

मेरा निवेदन हैं हमारी खापों से की हमारा समर्थन करे। 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽#WrestlersProtest #wrestling pic.twitter.com/c0sT1R8Nm1

— Bajrang Punia 🇮🇳 (@BajrangPunia) April 24, 2023

Wrestlers' Protest LIVE: Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh Slams Government

Firing a fresh salvo at the Union Government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has questioned the PM's silence on the issue. He also asked why the Centre isn't taking against the sexual harassment charges made against a sitting BJP MP despite players - who have made the country proud in the world - sitting at Jantar Mantar in protest.

मोदी जी चुप्पी तोड़ो !

देश का परचम दुनिया में लहराने वाले खिलाड़ी जंतर-मंतर पर 'Sexual Harassment' के खिलाफ बैठे हैं, पर कोई कार्रवाई क्यों नहीं हो रही।

याद रहे @Phogat_Vinesh ने अक्टूबर 2021 में अपने परिवार के साथ जाकर PM को फेडरेशन में हो रहे यौन शोषण के बारे में बताया था।

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) April 24, 2023

Wrestlers' Protest Puts WFI Elections On Hold:

The upcoming WFI elections that were supposed to be held on May 7 now stand postponed in the wake of the allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The Sports Ministry in a notification confirmed the same. In the interim, the Indian Olympic Association (IOC) will constitute an ad-hoc committee to conduct elections of the Executive Committee of WFI within 45 days of its formation and to manage the day-to-day affairs of the wrestling body.

Wrestlers' Protest Live: Take Action if we are lying, say athletes

Addressing media persons on Monday, wrestlers said, "Take action against us if we are lying, take against Bhushan if he is found wrong." The wrestlers went on to claim that the FIR against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has not been registered yet even after three days. “We want it to be lodged fairly. We want status on the oversight committee," they said.