Hamirpur (Himachal Pradesh):
Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday asked the protesting wrestlers to end their protest and show confidence in law and order, stating that the Supreme Court has given its verdict and Delhi Police is also taking statements in this case.
Several ace wrestlers including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshee Mallik have protested at the Jantar Mantar accusing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment and demanding his arrest.
“The committee was formed and their concerns were also heard. An ad hoc committee has been formed to start the day-to-day work of the Wrestling Federation by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). Trials have also been started for athletes,” said the Union Sports Minister to the reporters in Hamirpur.
He added: “The Supreme Court has ruled. Delhi Police also registered an FIR and are taking statements. The magistrate is also recording statements. They should have faith in our law and order and end their protest.”
Earlier on April 24, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will form an ad hoc committee to conduct the elections for the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Executive Committee within 45 days . from its inception, to manage the day-to-day affairs of the body, including the selection of athletes and enrolling players in international events.
This committee will function for an interim period until a new executive committee takes office.
On the complaint of the protesting wrestlers, a police squad went from Delhi to Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka and Haryana to collect all the evidence against Wrestling Federation of India President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Several female wrestlers came out against the WFI chief, accusing him of sexual harassment. The protesting wrestlers continue to camp outside the Jantar Mantar in the national capital demanding the arrest of Singh, a BJP MP, and his removal from the wrestling federation.
Delhi Police is also in touch with foreign agencies to learn more about the allegations he faced during his visits abroad. Police collected photos and videos as evidence from several places.
Delhi Police on Friday released a status report on the application filed by female wrestlers in an alleged sexual assault crime against WFI chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The court was also told that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the matter.
Delhi Police filed two FIRs on April 28 following the notification by the Supreme Court.
Earlier this year, prominent wrestlers came forward to lead a protest against the WFI chief, prompting union minister Anurag Thakur to announce the formation of an ‘oversight committee’ to investigate allegations against the WFI, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and some of the coaches.
On April 23, ace wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshee Mallik returned to the protest site in Jantar Mantar claiming that six female wrestlers, and one minor, had filed a sexual harassment complaint against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at Connaught Place Police Station, but in delhi. The police have not registered any FIR.
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