Image Source: AGENCIES

26-04-2023
WATSUPPTODAY DESK

The wrestlers created a new front by claiming that the complainants are receiving threats, even as prominent politicians spoke out in support of the Jantar Mantar protesting wrestlers. In the wrestlers' battle against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Vinesh Phogat, who has assumed the initiative, has claimed that the Delhi Police released the identities of the seven victims who on Friday reported the former Wrestling Federation of India president for sexual harassment. Further, the two-time World Championships bronze medallist alleged that two persons close to the WFI have been calling up the complainants, threatening them to end the protest. “I think the Delhi Police came under pressure the moment we filed the complaint,” Vinesh said. “I do not know whether it is political pressure or money power but it has been almost four days and they are yet to register an FIR. The Delhi Police have revealed our names. We know that Brij Bhushan has come to know the names and we know that two-three girls have already received threatening calls. If they are not being scared off they are being offered money to withdraw,” she added. There are two people who are doing this on his behalf. Haryana association secretary Rakesh is calling up the girls. Then there is Mahavir Bishnoi, who is a Dronacharya award winning coach. He is also trying to manipulate the girls. They want to break us by hook or by crook. That is why the Delhi Police are not taking any action,” she added. “One person came to my parents’ house after the last dharna and tried to find out my whereabouts. It is all happening because of him (Singh),” she added.
The wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, said that they will not end the protest even if an FIR is registered against Singh. There is no point in filing an FIR. There are thousands lodged in the country and it goes on for years and the accused get out on bail. You do not get justice,” Vinesh said. “That guy (Singh) will be out on bail and we will be abducted from our houses. He is that powerful. It will only take him two minutes to get us all shot. If he stays out, do you think we can train? He should be arrested and then we will know he has lost his power,” she added. Politicos make a beeline After the wrestlers' clarion call for support, politicians and kisan union representatives came to express their solidarity with the wrestlers. Haryana’s former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Congress’ Udit Raj, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat and Aam Aadmi Party’s spokesperson Reena Gupta were some of the prominent names who came out in support of the wrestlers.
Hooda stayed with the wrestlers for over half an hour and demanded immediate action against the WFI president. The presence of politicians as well as kisan union representatives, including those from the Bharatiya Kisan Union, has raised questions that the protest is becoming political. Vinesh, however, defended it by saying that it was course correction. “Last time we had decided to stay away from politicians as we were wary that they may play dirty. We stopped them and even then we were taken for a ride. That is why we have requested everyone to come. Not only parties, kisan unions are also welcome. We are all sons and daughters of farmers. We are fighting for our as well as their respect,” Vinesh said. Additionally, Vinesh refuted claims that the demonstration was escalating into a brawl between Rajputs from Uttar Pradesh and Jats from Haryana.
"This is not Haryana versus. UP. I am an Indian athlete. We frequently claim to have earned a medal for our nation. We battle for the nation. Whoever is claiming this is incorrect, including Brij Bhushan, who is using every tactic at his disposal to delay us, she continued.