Wrestlers' Protest: 'Delhi Police to file FIR against WFI Chief today', Solicitor General tells Supreme Court

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Wrestlers' Protest: The latest development, the Delhi Police on Friday (April 28) told the Supreme Court that it will register an FIR against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

The apex court is hearing the plea by seven woman wrestlers seeking registration of FIR under sexual harassment against the WFI chief, a sitting BJP MP from Kaiserganj, Uttar Pradesh.

Wrestlers' Protest: What Did CJI say?

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta apprised the Supreme Court that the Delhi Police will register FIR by today evening. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud told the SG that the court is recording his statement and it must be informed within a week's time about what actions Delhi Police has taken.

The Solicitor General later asked the court to quash the case but the wrestlers' lawyers opposed and informed the bench that all the seven complainants were allegedly approached by the WFI officials.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal urged the bench to issue directions to provide safety to woman wrestlers, under the monitoring of a retired judge. Appearing for Delhi Police, SG Tushar Mehta said that all these concerns can be addressed by the police.

Supreme Court then directed Delhi Police to file an affidavit mentioning steps taken to provide security to the minor girl and ordered the Delhi Commissioner of Police to do an adequate threat perception of other complainants and provide them security if needed. The next hearing, in this case, will be held on May 5.

Wrestlers' Protest Continues

Ace wrestlers in the country have been on the streets in protest and demand swift action against the WFI chief. They have been also alleging that the Brij Bhushan's stooges have been trying to threaten and bribe them.

The SC noted that there are serious allegations that are contained in the petition by wrestlers who have represented India. The apex court also issued notice to Delhi Police pertaining to the plea filed by the wrestlers.

The Union Sports Ministry formed an Oversight Committee, headed by legendary boxer MC Mary Kom, to probe the sexual harassment charges in January. The Committee submitted its report on April 5 but the ministry is yet to make its findings public. The wrestlers are crying foul play in the committee report as well.

Over the last four days, the wrestlers have slept and trained at the protest site and they are receiving support from all quarters. India's only two individual Olympic gold medallists, with 2008 Beijing Games shooting champion Abhinav Bindra have lent their support to the grapplers.

The wrestlers, who include Olympics, Commonwealth and World Championships medal winners in Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat, have been sitting in at Jantar Mantar in the heart of the national capital since last weekend.

"As athletes, we train hard every day to represent our country on the international stage. It is deeply concerning to see our athletes finding it necessary to protest on the streets regarding the allegations of harassment in the Indian wrestling administration," Bindra tweeted.

Chopra, who is currently training in Antalya, Turkey and has his season-opening event in Doha Diamond League on May 6, has been getting compliments on social media since expressing his views on the issue.

The javelin star tweeted, "It hurts me to see our athletes on the streets demanding justice. They have worked hard to represent our great nation and make us proud. As a nation, we are responsible for safeguarding the integrity and dignity of every individual, athlete or not. What's happening should never happen."

Also backing the wrestlers is cricket legend Kapil Dev and six-time Winter Olympian Shiva Keshavan, among others. While Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief PT Usha has slammed wrestlers for sitting on protest instead of coming to them.

Speaking to reporters after an executive committee meeting of the IOA on Thursday, Usha said, "Our feeling is that for sexual harassment complaints, IOA has a committee and athletes' commission. Instead of going to the street (again), they should have come to us, but they have not at all come to IOA."

The IOA also announced the formation of a three-member committee to run the day-to-day affairs of the WFI and conduct fresh polls within 45 days.