The wrestlers express concerns over the disinterest shown by the sports minister, vowing to resume their protest if promised action is not taken by the specified date.
In the midst of an ongoing protest by wrestlers, revelations of pressure to withdraw the protest have emerged. Wrestler Vinesh Phogat expressed her disappointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence regarding the allegations of sexual harassment against Bharatiya Janata Party MP and Wrestling Federation of India chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Phogat, a world champion in wrestling, stated that the lack of response from the PM has been emotionally draining for her.
In an interview with Reuters, Phogat also highlighted her dissatisfaction with Union sports minister Anurag Thakur, stating that he seemed disinterested and preoccupied with his phone when she voiced her concerns to him.
Following an order from the Supreme Court, Delhi Police filed two cases against Singh, one of which falls under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. However, Phogat revealed the extent to which the case has affected her in the interview.
Phogat's fellow protester, Sakshi Malik, pointed out that there are efforts being made to break their unity. The accounts of the minor complainant have faced doubts from politicians and some sections of the media, even though the statements were recorded under Sections 161 and 164. Malik noted the pressure being exerted on the father of the minor and the apparent withdrawal of the sexual harassment charges.
While the wrestlers have temporarily halted their protest, they have vowed to resume if "strong action" is not taken by June 15, as promised by Minister Thakur.
Bajrang Punia, another wrestler involved in the protests, criticized the situation where one of the complainants was taken to recreate a scene in the presence of the accused MP Singh, questioning the fairness of such an act and emphasizing the mental pressure the complainant would have faced.
Furthermore, Delhi Police allegedly requested photos, audio, and video evidence from two of the complainants, including a photo of a hug given by Singh, which was flagged in the FIR.
Punia and Malik reiterated their unity with Phogat, emphasizing their demand for justice in the ongoing case.