Wrestlers Suspend Protests As Govt Seeks Time Till June 15 For Completion Of Probe

"The government has sought time till June 15 for the investigation to conclude. The protest is not over yet," news agency PTI quoted wrestler Sakshi Malik as saying.

Wrestler Sakshi Malik leaves from the residence of Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Anurag Thakur after a meeting.

Source : PTI

New Delhi: The wrestlers have decided to suspend their protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh after the government sought time till June 15 to complete its investigation. The development came after the wrestlers, inlcuding Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, held a meeting with Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur for over five hours on Wednesday.

"The government has sought time till June 15 for the investigation to conclude. The protest is not over yet," news agency PTI quoted wrestler Sakshi Malik as saying. "The Delhi Police will withdraw FIRs filed against wrestlers on May 28," she added.

The wrestlers have been demanding a probe against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and his arrest, accusing him of sexually exploiting upcoming wrestlers, including a minor.

#WATCH | I had a long 6-hour discussion with the wrestlers. We have assured wrestlers that the probe will be completed by 15th June and chargesheets will be submitted. The election of WFI will be done by 30th June: Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur after meeting wrestlers pic.twitter.com/9hySRefxNM

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2023

According to sources, the wrestlers are calling for transparent and impartial elections within the WFI, emphasizing the need for a woman leader. Additionally, they have expressed their objection to the involvement of Brij Bhushan Singh or any of his family members in the federation. The wrestlers have reiterated their demand for Brij Bhushan Singh's arrest as well.

READ | Woman Chief For Apex Wrestling Body, Withdrawal Of FIRs Among Athletes' Demands To Centre

"We had a discussion on some issues. Police investigation should be completed by 15th June and the minister has requested us not to hold protests until then. He also said the security of female wrestlers will be taken care of. We have requested that all FIRs against wrestlers should be taken back and he has agreed to it," news agency ANI quoted Bajrang Punia as saying.

#WATCH | We had a discussion on some issues. Police investigation should be completed by 15th June and the minister has requested us not to hold protests until then. He also said the security of female wrestlers will be taken care of. We have requested that all FIRs against… pic.twitter.com/rPXCpPcMwU

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2023

Following their meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the protesting wrestlers received a second invitation from the government. This comes after a previous meeting with Anurag Thakur in January, during which their protest was suspended after the formation of a committee. Notably, former wrestler and BJP leader Babita Phogat played a mediating role at that time.