Wrestlers' Protest: Wrestlers march towards the new parliament building, detained by police for "anti- national activity"

Wrestlers' Protest: As support for wrestlers participating in protests in Punjab continues to grow, a familiar accusation has resurfaced: the labeling of these individuals as "Khalistani." These athletes have garnered support from various civil society organizations in Punjab, including the Akal Takht Jathedar and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in recent times.

Expressing his unwavering support for the protesting wrestlers, Rakesh Tikait, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), stated on Sunday that the farmers were prepared to face arrest as well.

Tikait went on to assert that the current dire circumstances were a consequence of the deteriorating state of democracy in the country.

"They can arrest us if they want. Situations like these arise when Democracy dies in a country. People who should be in jail are enjoying gatherings instead. It took 90 years for the country to get its independence. Farmers' protest also went on for 13 months. This protest has also been going on for 40 days," Tikait said to the reporters. 

The wrestlers have taken to the streets in protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the President of the Wrestling Federation of India, regarding allegations of harassment against female athletes, including a minor. In a show of solidarity, the farmers also attempted to join the protesters in Delhi.

The incident of 28th May

On Sunday, a group of protesting wrestlers, who were attempting to march from their protest site at Jantar Mantar towards the new Parliament building, were intercepted and detained by security personnel in Delhi.

The Delhi Police had earlier stated their intention to prevent any "unsocial elements" from entering the national capital to ensure the smooth conduct of the inauguration ceremony for the new Parliament building, as reported by DCP Gaurav Rajpurohit of Sonipat East.

In anticipation of the wrestler's march, the Delhi Police had increased security measures across the city, including at its borders. All entry points to the national capital were barricaded to discourage any form of protest or gathering.

On Sunday, a group of protesting wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, were detained by the Delhi Police after they breached the security cordon while attempting to proceed towards the new Parliament building. The wrestlers aimed to participate in a women's Mahapanchayat scheduled for the day.

Chaotic scenes unfolded at Jantar Mantar as wrestlers and police officers engaged in pushing and shoving, particularly when Vinesh Phogat and her cousin sister Sangeeta Phogat attempted to breach the barricades.

Subsequently, all protesters were detained and forcefully escorted onto buses by the police.

"They have been detained for violating law and order. We will take legal action after inquiry in due course of time," said Dependra Pathak, Special CP, Law and Order.

The police v/s the Wrestlers fight for justice

Furthermore, the police officials were observed clearing the protest site, where the wrestlers had resumed their demonstration against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), on April 23. In response to the wrestlers' call for a 'Mahila Samman Mahapanchayat' (Women's Respect Grand Assembly), the Delhi Police had heightened security measures at Jantar Mantar.

To ensure security, a significant number of police personnel were deployed, and multiple layers of barricades were set up in the Lutyens' Delhi area on Sunday.

Despite the circumstances, the protesting wrestlers, situated approximately two kilometers from the Parliament building, affirmed their determination to proceed with their 'Mahapanchayat' near the new Parliament building at any cost.

However, the police have stated that no protester will be permitted to approach the new building, as they have not granted permission for the event, and the wrestlers should refrain from engaging in any "anti-national activity."

The wrestlers engaged in the protest, including renowned athletes such as Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Asian Games gold medalist Vinesh Phogat, have been demanding the arrest of Brij Bhushan Singh, the outgoing President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). They have accused him of sexually harassing numerous female wrestlers.

Despite the use of force by the police, the wrestlers have expressed their determination to proceed with their peaceful march and the Mahapanchayat, emphasizing that it will not deter them.