Wrestling is not just a sport in India. It’s a way of life, a culture, a tradition. It’s also a source of pride and glory for the country, which has won 12 Olympic medals in wrestling, including four at the 2016 Rio Olympics. And it’s not just men who are shining on the mat. Women wrestlers have also broken stereotypes and barriers to become champions and role models for millions of girls in India.
But behind the scenes, there is a dark and ugly reality that has been haunting the sport for years. The officials who are supposed to protect and promote the sport have been accused of sexually harassing and abusing female wrestlers. The main accused is Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and a member of parliament from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
How did it start?
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The allegations came to light in January 2023, when some of the top wrestlers in India decided to take a stand against Singh and his cronies. They staged a protest at Jantar Mantar, a place where people can voice their grievances in New Delhi. They demanded that Singh be arrested and an independent inquiry be conducted into the allegations.
The protesters said that they had complained to various authorities, including the WFI, the sports ministry, the sports authority, and the Olympic association, but nothing was done. They also said that they faced threats and intimidation from Singh and his supporters for speaking out against him.
The protesters said that they had proof of Singh’s misconduct, such as audio recordings, WhatsApp messages, and eyewitness accounts. They said that Singh had sexually harassed female wrestlers at national camps, tournaments, and foreign trips. They also accused him of favoring his relatives and friends in the WFI and mismanaging the sport.
Singh denied all the allegations and said that he was ready to face any investigation. He claimed that he was being targeted by his political rivals and unhappy wrestlers who were dissatisfied with his decisions. He also said that he had done a lot for the sport and supported many wrestlers financially and morally.
What happened next?
The Supreme Court intervened and ordered the Delhi Police to register a case against Singh and other WFI officials based on the complaints filed by the wrestlers. The Delhi Police registered two FIRs against Singh and others under various sections of the law, including sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, assault, rioting, and obstructing public servant in discharge of duty.
The sports ministry also formed a committee to look into the allegations and submit a report within three months. The protesters called off their protest after getting an assurance from the ministry that action will be taken based on the report.
But nothing happened. The committee submitted its report in April 2023 but did not make it public. The protesters resumed their protest in April 2023 after alleging that no action was taken on the basis of the report.
How did it escalate?
The protesters decided to take their protest to another level. They announced that they will immerse their medals in the River Ganga as a sign of protest against Singh and his supporters. They said that they did not want to keep their medals as they felt betrayed by the system.
They traveled to Haridwar, a holy city on the banks of the Ganga river, to carry out their plan. They were joined by several farmers’ leaders who were also protesting against the BJP-led government’s farm laws. They also took a vow of silence until their demands were met.
They returned to New Delhi after immersing their medals in the river. They alleged that they were manhandled and abused by the police during their journey. They also claimed that they were detained illegally and denied basic facilities at Jantar Mantar. They demanded an apology from the police and the government.
Timeline so far:
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January 18, 2023: The wrestlers’ protest begins at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
January 20, 2023: The Supreme Court directs the Delhi Police to register a case against Singh and other WFI officials based on the complaints filed by the wrestlers.
January 21, 2023: The Delhi Police registers two FIRs against Singh and other WFI officials under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, assault, rioting, and obstructing public servant in discharge of duty.
January 22, 2023: The protesters call off their protest after receiving an assurance from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports that a committee will be formed to look into the allegations and submit a report within three months.
April 5, 2023: The committee submits its report to the ministry but does not make it public.
April 23, 2023: The protesters resume their protest at Jantar Mantar after alleging that no action was taken on the basis of the committee’s report.
May 1, 2023: The protesters announce that they will immerse their medals in the River Ganga as a mark of protest against Singh and his supporters.
May 2-3, 2023: The protesters travel to Haridwar, a holy city on the banks of the Ganga river, to carry out their plan. They are joined by several farmers’ leaders who are also protesting against the BJP-led government’s farm laws. They also take a vow of silence until their demands are met.
May 4-5, 2023: The protesters return to New Delhi after immersing their medals in the river. They allege that they were manhandled and abused by the police during their journey. They also claim that they were detained illegally and denied basic facilities at Jantar Mantar. They demand an apology from the police and the government.
The protest continues as of May 31, 2023