Tried To Suppress Matter By Forming Committee: Vinesh Phogat Slams Sports Minister Anurag Thakur

Vinesh Phogat said that the complainants had shared their ordeal in a meeting with the sports minister but he did not take any action other than constituting a committee. 

Wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik speak with the media during their protest at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi ( Image Source :PTI )

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Tuesday alleged that complaints regarding sexual harassment were hushed up the Wreslting Federation of India and sports minister Anurag Thakur did the same by forming an oversight committee instead of taking concrete action. The wrestlers had earlier stage protest but later called it off in January after being assured that the government would probe the matter and a five-member panel was formed to look into the allegations of sexual harassment against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

"We waited for three-four months but when nothing happened, we came to Jantar Mantar. When we met the sports minister, the women wrestlers shared individual incidents related to sexual harassment. The girls were crying before him but no action was taken at that time,” said Vinesh.

The star wrestler claimed that in twice in the past cases of sexual harassment were reported during the national camp but the WFI succeeded in sweeping the matter under the carpet. 

She said that the complainants had shared their ordeal in a meeting with the sports minister but he did not take any action other than constituting a committee. 

"Sports minister tried to hush up the matter yet again by forming a committee. We have tried to raise this issue at every level but the matter was always suppressed," said Vinesh.

The Asian Games gold medallist said now people can understand why they were silent for 12 years.

"We had to play sport. Our career, life was at stake and that's why we could not muster enough courage. Now we have reached a stage in our careers where we could speak. It's not easy to stand against a powerful man," she said.

The World championship medallist also claimed that the Delhi Police was not doing its job properly saying it has not recorded any statements yet. 

"The Delhi Police has not yet recorded any statement. They are helping in breaking the victims, using power and position. Delhi Police is trying to delay the matter. They are giving information to Brij Bhushan. Maybe we will get justice only from the Supreme Court.