Wrestlers Protest: Vinesh Phogat breaks into tears after scuffle with Delhi Police late on Wednesday night

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Following the alleged misbehaviour of Delhi Police with the protesting wrestlers at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, Vinesh Phogat broke into tears in front of the media and said they were treated as criminals and disrespected by the cops.

The wrestlers, who are sitting on a peaceful protest since April 23 as they demand the arrest of WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual harassment allegations, were involved in a scuffle with Delhi Police.

Photo Credit: PTI

The melee broke out when the wrestlers were bringing in folding beds for their night stay and the on-duty police personnel allegedly began enquiring about that. According to the wrestlers, the police officers started behaving badly with them and even abused the women wrestlers.

"If you want to kill us, then kill us," a crying Vinesh said during a late-night media interaction. "Did we win medals for the country to see this day? We have not even eaten our food. Does every man have a right to abuse women? These policemen are holding guns, they can kill us."

"Where were female police officers? How can the male officers push us like that? We are not criminals. We do not deserve such treatment. The police officer who was drunk hit my brother," the World Championship medallist said.

Bajrang Punia exhorted the farmers and the general public to reach Jantar Mantar in their support.

"I request everyone to reach Delhi by morning. This is the time. If not now, then when. This is question of dignity of our daughters. People like Brij Bhushan (WFI President) are roaming free despite being a criminal and all this is happening to us," Bajrang said.

Asked to give more details, Bajrang said, "CCTV cameras must be here. Footage will make it clear." Asked specifically if AAP leader Somnath Bharti had brought the folding beds, as being claimed by the Delhi Police, Bajrang said,"CCTV footage can show he was not there when it happened. We had ordered the beds, we were bringing the beds inside."

With inputs from PTI