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The protests against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and former president, the disgraced Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, took a turn for the worse when Olympic medal-winning wrestler Bajrang Punia revealed that there have been threats against the lives of seven women who complained of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan.
Punia made these claims during a press conference on Tuesday, April 25, saying that representatives of the WFI made these threats and are offering money to the female wrestlers, forcing them to withdraw their complaints against the former WFI chief.
Speaking to the press at the Jantar Mantar where the top Indian international wrestlers are protesting against the governing body of the sport and their current chief, Bajrang said that attempts were being made to break the unity of the seven women who have complained of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
"Attempts being made to break the unity of 7 women wrestlers complainants. There is a threat to the lives of complainants. WFI representatives are reaching their homes and offering money. If something happens to these complainants, Delhi Police and the government will be responsible for it," he said.
He added that leaving the Jantar Mantar, where they have been protesting and sleeping since Sunday, was not an option until serious action was taken against Brij Bhushan. "Everyone is welcome at the protest site. Even BJP is welcome. No one is seeking votes here. Elections have nothing to do with this protest. We are not here to do politics, to become MPs and MLAs," Bajrang said.
"All wrestlers are with us. We are not involving the youngsters because they have to prepare for the Asian Games. We will not leave the protest site unless Brij Bhushan is punished for his crimes," he added.
Three months ago, the initial protests against the atrocities of Brij Bhushan were held but more recently, the wrestlers went back on dharna at Jantar Mantar on Sunday, April 24, after the Connaught Place Police Station did not register an FIR against him for sexual harassment involving seven different women, including a minor.
After the ineffectiveness of the oversight committee, the Sports Ministry has now ordered the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form an ad-hoc committee to look into the daily working of the WFI, dissolving the current body.
Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat also shared thanks for the Supreme Court, who agreed to hear a petition filed by the wrestlers, seeking an FIR against the WFI chief.
A Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, said the 'serious allegations' raised by the wrestlers required the court's consideration and directed that the case be listed for Friday, April 28.
The case was mentioned by senior advocate Kapil Sibal in the Supreme Court. "We are thankful to the Supreme Court and CJI Chandrachud for issuing notice to Delhi Police," Sakshi said.
"We, women wrestlers, will be always thankful to the SC for this step. Our faith in the legal system has gotten strengthened," Vinesh said.
MORE ON SPORTSTAK:
Sports Ministry bans upcoming WFI elections, Indian Olympic Association to form adhoc committee for new federation
WFI agitation update: SAI approach protesting wrestlers for meeting but they refuse to budge from their position
