INTRODUCTION
The women wrestlers returning to Jantar Mantar to protest against the President of the Wrestling Federation of India and renowned BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh over alleged sexual harassment and intimidation is a powerful display of solidarity and resilience. This is not the first time the women wrestlers have taken to the streets to demand justice for the sexual harassment they have faced at the hands of Singh. In fact, this protest marks their second appearance at Jantar Mantar in just three months. The women wrestlers are determined to hold Singh accountable for his actions and to ensure that their voices are heard. They have demanded the resignation of Singh and a fair investigation into the allegations made against him. The leading faces of protest since day 1 are Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia. Being at the final stage of their brilliant careers they could have just walked into the sunset. But they chose to fight the difficult fight to make sports a safer place for young boys and girls. The Dangal 2.0 is on.
FAILURE OF THE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
In January, an oversight committee was formed to investigate allegations of sexual harassment made by wrestlers against Brij Bhushan Singh, a prominent figure in Indian wrestling. The committee was tasked with investigating the allegations and determining whether or not they were true. However, the failure of the committee to conduct a thorough investigation has led to widespread criticism and anger among the wrestling community.
Many wrestlers feel that the committee did not take their allegations seriously and that their voices were not heard. Some have even accused the committee of being biased in favor of Brij Bhushan Singh.
The failure of the oversight committee also raises important questions about the role of oversight and accountability in sports. Sports organizations must take allegations of misconduct seriously and conduct thorough investigations to ensure that justice is served. Without proper oversight and accountability, sports organizations risk alienating their athletes and undermining the integrity of the sport. The protest serves as a reminder that athletes deserve to be heard and treated with respect.
THE SUPREME COURT SAY
CJI Chandrachud-led Supreme Court heard the plea from top wrestlers of India seeking an FIR to be lodged against federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh after accusing him of sexual harassment, corruption, and mismanagement in which
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has ordered;
- The Delhi Police to file an FIR based on the complaints lodged by the wrestlers protesting at Jantar Mantar.
- To ensure the safety of the minor and all 7 complainants.
- The Court will take stock of the updates in the investigation on May 4.
The wrestlers filed the FIR on the same day but refused to end the dharna until the removal of Singh from all positions of power.
If FIR has been filed then why he has not been arrested yet?
THE SUPPORT
The hashtag on Twitter #ARREST_BRIJBHUSHAN_NOW and #ISUPPORTMYCHAMPIONS are continuously on-trend. After the request made by Vinesh Phogat, within hours, Twitter got flooded with tweets in support of the protest by fellow sportspersons not from wrestling but from other sports and Bollywood as well. Abhinav Bindra, Geeta Phogat, Neeraj Chopra, Vijender Singh, Deepak Niwas Hooda, Swara Bhaskar, and many more. The wrestlers have received support from the political leaders as well as from the Khaps of U.P and Haryana. Congress party's Priyanka Gandhi and Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Rashtriya Lok Dal leader Jayant Chaudhary, former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik, Delhi government ministers Atishi Singh and Suarbah Bhardwaj, Haryanvi Singer KD and it's continuously on increase.
The tweet made by Neeraj Chopra within an hour was the most trending tweet on Twitter which shows the impact the sports person has on the people. The wrestlers are not only getting support on Twitter but also on other social networking sites.
BRIJ BHUSHAN'S STATEMENT
"Resignation is not a big deal but I am not a criminal. If I resign, it will mean that I have accepted their (wrestlers’) allegations. My tenure is almost over. Government has formed a 3-member committee and elections will be held in 45 days and my term will end after the elections,” he said. He also added that their demand of sending him to jail and removal from all posts is unnecessary as I am MP because of people of my constituency and not because of Vinesh Phogat. He denied any wrongdoing and claimed that the allegations were politically motivated. He also said that he is willing to cooperate with any investigation into the matter. If so then why he has not been ARRESTED yet?
He is called the "BAHUBALI", the final decision maker. Just because he is the epicenter for winning the election in U.P. Removing him after the new appointment is this JUSTICE? All this need to be answered by the government.
THE AUTHORITIES
Government is silent on the matter. No statement has been given by any member of the BJP party. The pride which the government took at the time when wrestlers won medals for the nation should not step back when real support is needed.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Chief PT Usha, a renowned name said, "The IOA has an athletes’ commission. Instead of going on the streets, they could have come to us. The wrestlers themselves suggested an ad-hoc committee and we have formed one.” Her words and actions not only expose her insensitivity but also her lack of empathy. Calling wrestlers indisciplined? She should recall the past when at #SeoulOlympics in 1988, she & Nambiar in a most indisciplined manner asked for trials for the 4x400 relay team at the Games Village. It was a bizarre act that brought global shame to India.Singh’s name figures in several ongoing court cases. How could she defend such a figure?
Babita Phogat BJP member even being a wrestler by herself need to decide her stance. Earlier she stood with the wrestlers but after the presence of Priyanka Gandhi in support of the protest on Jantar Mantar she id backlashing at the congress. But for the sake of the success of the wrestler's fight for dignity, she should keep politics aside and support the fight. As said by Vinesh Phogat as well “If you are not standing for the rights of aggrieved female wrestlers, Babita sister, I request you with folded hands not to weaken our movement. It has taken years for female wrestlers to speak up against their abusers. You are also a woman, try to understand our pain."
Brij Bhushan’s son Karan Bhushan Singh is the Vice-President of the same WFI. Will he take action against his father?
THE RESULT YET TO BE ANNOUNCED
The result of the final round of Dangal 2.0 should come in favor of wrestlers as it impacts the career of the athletes and even the country's reputation is at stake. Any country that insults its women icons is hurting its own pride, these women have brought laurels to the nation. They have given wings to the aspirations of millions. Them crying for justice is the failure of law in addressing their dignity.The protest at Jantar Mantar sends a strong message to the sports authorities and the government that women athletes in India will not tolerate harassment and discrimination. The protesters have shown remarkable courage and resilience in coming forward and demanding justice. It is now up to the authorities to take concrete steps to address the issue and ensure that women athletes are protected and supported.
It is a significant step towards addressing the issue of sexual harassment in India. The impact of this protest is not only felt in the sports industry but has sparked a larger conversation around the issue of sexual harassment and assault in India.
Are the bigwigs of our country above the law? The law must set an example by putting an end to this game forever and giving wings to women to fly higher and higher...
FOR AN EARLIER UPDATE OF THE STORY:
. . .
REFERENCES:
- https://twitter.com/
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/
- https://www.indiatoday.in
- https://www.livemint.com
- https://www.thehindu.com
- https://indianexpress.com