Protests Intensify at Jantar Mantar after Scuffle Between Police and Protestors
Since April 23, wrestlers have been staging a sit-in at Jantar Mantar, alleging that their mattresses had gotten wet due to rain, but police did not allow them to bring folding beds.
The wrestlers’ protest at Jantar Mantar intensified when a scuffle broke out between protestors and police late Wednesday night.
Top wrestler Vinesh Phogath and other wrestlers are demanding action against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
They’ve accused the BJP MP from Uttar Pradesh of sexually harassing and intimidating seven female wrestlers including a minor.
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat broke down in front of the camera late last night after she and some members were allegedly roughed up by police at Jantar Mantar.
“Did we win medals to see this day,” she questioned.
“We are not criminals that they are behaving like this with us,” Phogat added.
“I was abused and pushed around by policemen. Where are the women police personnel” asked Mrs Phogat.
Geeta Phogat has alleged that her sibling was injured in the brawl with the police.
According to the protestors a drunk police official attacked them while the other cops were just standing as mute spectators.
Bajrang Punia, who won four medals at the World Wrestling Championship told NDTV, “I request the government to take all my medals back.”
According to the wrestlers, they were bringing folded beds at Jantar Mantar as their mattresses got wet due to rain but the police didn’t allow them to do so.
AAP MLA Somnath Bharti was also detained following the incident.
“On being asked about the beds, his supporters became aggressive and tried to get the beds from a truck. Subsequently, a minor altercation took place following which Bharti, along with two others, was detained,” the police said.
Meanwhile Brij Bhushan has denied the allegations. He said that he has proof that the protests were part of a conspiracy hatched by Congress and Bajrang Punia. He was also ready to resign from his current post.
“The first FIR has been registered under the POCSO Act along with relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). It was filed based on the allegations of a minor. The second FIR was registered for a comprehensive investigation into the complaints by other complainants under relevant sections pertaining to outraging of modesty,” the Delhi Police said in a statement.
The security measures around Jantar Mantar have been stepped up following the scuffle between the protesting members and the police.