Rakesh Tikait Announces Candle March On May 23 At India Gate In Support Of Wrestlers

Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait announced today that the committee has decided to hold a candle march at India Gate on May 23, followed by a meeting on May 28.

File Photo: Wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat, along with farmer leaders Rakesh Tikait and Mehar Singh, speak with the media during the wrestlers' protest at Jantar Mantar.

Source : PTI

Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait announced on Sunday (May 21) that the committee has decided to hold a candle march at India Gate on May 23, followed by a meeting on May 28. He made this statement following the conclusion of Khap Panchayat in support of the wrestlers' protest. In a video shared by the news agency PTI, the leader can be seen saying, "The committee has decided to hold a candle march at India Gate on May 23 and a meeting on May 28".

VIDEO | “The committee has decided to hold a candle march at India Gate on May 23 and subsequently a meeting on May 28,” says farmer leader Rakesh Tikait after Khap Panchayat in support of wrestlers' protest concludes. pic.twitter.com/zqXGPkIs7l

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 21, 2023

Due to the farmers' meeting in support of the protesting wrestlers on Sunday, police increased security at Jantar Mantar and on Delhi's borders, news agency PTI reported citing police.

According to PTI, multi-layer barricades have been placed on the city's borders, and checking has been increased. The police have also stated that vehicles entering Delhi will be checked, and picket lines will be increased.

Wrestlers protesting against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's alleged sexual harassment of female grapplers warned on Saturday that a "big decision" that might "not be in the interest of the country" could be taken on Sunday.

The wrestlers have set May 21 as the deadline for the khap mahapanchayat to decide whether or not to continue the agitation.

Since April 23, the wrestlers have been protesting at Jantar Mantar, demanding the arrest of the WFI chief, who is accused of sexually harassing seven female wrestlers, including a minor.

The Delhi Police registered two FIRs against the WFI chief on April 28 in response to sexual harassment complaints filed by the wrestlers.