The wrestlers were detained for breaching security while demanding justice against alleged sexual harassment, prompting criticism from Sule and NCP spokesperson Clyde Crasto towards the government's handling of the situation.
Nationalist Congress Party leader Supriya Sule strongly denounced the police's actions against protesting wrestlers in New Delhi on Sunday, expressing her deep dismay at the deplorable treatment Olympic medallists and sportswomen faced. Delhi Police detained renowned wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia for breaching the security cordon while attempting to reach the new Parliament building for a planned women's 'Mahapanchayat'.
The wrestlers had resumed their protest against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, demanding his arrest for alleged sexual harassment of multiple women grapplers, including a minor. Sule raised concerns over the treatment of these national heroes and called upon the Central government to provide clear answers regarding the permission granted by the Union Home Ministry for such forceful actions.
"It is truly unfortunate that our esteemed sportspersons, who have brought immense honor to our nation through their athletic achievements, are now compelled to fight for justice in such a manner. These winners, once celebrated by all, are suddenly portrayed as villains simply for seeking justice," Sule expressed.
NCP national spokesperson Clyde Crasto also criticized Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani, urging her to fulfill her duty of protecting and addressing the concerns of the country's women wrestlers. Crasto questioned why Irani solely focuses on issues related to Rahul Gandhi, rather than actively intervening in the mistreatment of these athletes who require her support and assistance.
(With PTI Inputs)