Wrestlers suspend protests till June 15 after meeting Sports Minister Anurag Thakur
Wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshee Malikkh, along with farmer leader Rakesh Tikait, arrived at Sports Minister Anurag Thakur's residence on Wednesday morning following an invite by the government for talks.
India's top wrestlers have decided to suspend their protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh after Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur sought time till June 15 to complete its investigation.
"We had a discussion on some issues. Police investigation should be completed by 15th June and the minister has requested us not to hold protests until then. He also said the security of female wrestlers will be taken care of. We have requested that all FIRs against wrestlers should be taken back and he has agreed to it," wrestler Bajrang Puina after meeting Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur.
Earlier on Wednesday, wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshee Malikkh, along with farmer leader Rakesh Tikait, arrived at Thakur's residence morning following an invite by the government for talks.
Wrestlers protesting against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (FI), were invited by the government for talks regarding their concerns by Thakur earlier today. The invitation came shortly after their meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah.#WATCH Wrestler Bajrang Punia and farmer leader Rakesh Tikait arrive at the residence of Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur in Delhi pic.twitter.com/Ybmtc4lzUg
— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2023
In a tweet posted after midnight on Tuesday, Anurag Thakur expressed the government's willingness to discuss the wrestlers' issues. He stated, "I have once again invited the wrestlers for the same."
In a telephonic interview with ANI, wrestler Sakshee Malikkh said they would discuss the government-provided proposal with their seniors and supporters.
"Only when everyone gives their consent that the proposal is fine, then we will agree. It won't happen that we will agree to anything that the government says and end our protest," Malikkh said.
"We will discuss the proposal given by the govt with our seniors & supporters. Only when everyone gives their consent that the proposal is fine, then will we agree. It won't happen that we will agree to anything that the government says and end our protest. No time fixed for the… https://t.co/pJmNEe1943 pic.twitter.com/vmrfmSb5yY
— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2023
Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda also said that the protestors will wait for the outcome of the meeting but their stand remains clear.
"We are with our daughters in their fight for justice," Hooda said.
Union Minister Sanjeev Balyan on Wednesday, however, said that the issue was "certainly" headed towards a resolution.
Wrestling coach Mahavir Singh Phogat, who is also the uncle of Vinesh Phogat, a leader in the ongoing protest, took a jibe at the government, saying they have finally "woken up."
Phogat told PTI, "It's very good that the sleeping government has finally woken up. We also want a resolution to the issue."
Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait, who is supporting the wrestlers, commented on the athletes returning to their government jobs and speculations about them leaving the protest.
"We had given time until June 9 for the government to talk to us. They called us for a discussion. It is not a crime to stage the protest while continuing with your job. The movement will continue," Tikait said.
The wrestlers have been engaged in protests, demanding the arrest of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is also a BJP MP. They have accused him of sexual harassment, allegations that he has denied.
ALSO READ | Groping, intimidation and stalking; Wrestlers’ FIRs against Brij Bhushan Singh allege disturbing incidents
As part of the ongoing investigation, the Delhi Police have recorded statements from Singh's associates and individuals working at his residence in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh.
Additionally, officials have reported that the minor complainant, whose statement formed the basis of a case registered against Singh under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, has provided a fresh statement under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
With agency inputs.
First Published: Jun 7, 2023 10:44 AM IST
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