Sports Minister Anurag Thakur Provides Detailed Reply on Protest by Women Wrestlers

In response to Lok Sabha MP Badruddin Ajmal's questions, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has provided a comprehensive reply on the protest staged by women wrestlers. The questions raised by Ajmal addressed issues related to allegations of injustice and sexual harassment faced by the wrestlers, steps taken by the government for legal and disciplinary action against the guilty, actions taken to address the demands of the wrestlers, and the reasons for hurriedly taking action against the protesting athletes.

3 things you need to know:

• Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has been accused of demanding sexual favors for professional assistance
• The wrestlers protest was temporarily called off after the government promised to form an oversight committee
• The Delhi police registered an FIR against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on April 28, 2023

In January 2023, a group of thirty Indian wrestlers, including prominent athletes like Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Anshu Malik, and Bajrang Punia, held a sit-in protest accusing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) officials, including president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, of sexually harassing female players over the years. They demanded the disbanding of WFI. The protests were temporarily called off after the government promised to establish an oversight committee to investigate the allegations. However, the wrestlers resumed their protests in April 2023, citing inadequate action by authorities.

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar alleged for asking sexual favours

The allegations against Brij Bhushan and WFI secretary Vinod Tomar include demanding sexual favors for professional assistance, incidents of sexual harassment, intimidation, and stalking. The complainants, including a minor, stated that the acts traumatized them. The incidents allegedly occurred at various places, including restaurants, WFI office, tournaments, and during warm-ups, both domestically and internationally. The wrestlers also claimed that Bhushan sent goons to threaten their families if they spoke about the incidents.

In response to the wrestlers' accusations, the government took immediate action. As an interim measure, the executive committee of WFI was instructed to abstain from administering and managing the day-to-day activities of the federation. Additionally, an oversight committee led by sports legend MC Mary Kom, a Khel Ratna awardee and Olympic medalist, was appointed by the government to investigate the allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment, financial irregularities, and administrative lapses.

WFI operations being managed by an an ad hoc committee

Delhi Police registered an FIR on 28 April 2023 based on the complaints filed by the wrestlers. The protesters were removed from Jantar Mantar due to violations under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, and criminal cases were filed against them for the agitation. Currently, the affairs of WFI, including athlete selection and participation in international events, are being managed by an ad hoc committee constituted by the Indian Olympic Association until the newly elected executive committee takes charge.

Brij Bhushan, the prime accused, has consistently denied the allegations, refusing to step down from his WFI president post. He claimed that the wrestlers changed their demands daily and alleged that the protesting wrestlers belonged to one group while 90% of the wrestlers from Haryana supported him. Bhushan also made controversial statements, including threats to dilute the POCSO Act, which protects children against sexual abuse, and questioning the misuse of laws to protect women.