Wrestlers Protest Live: Sports Ministry Suspends Secretary Of WFI Vinod Tomar
Wrestlers Protest Live Updates : Hello and welcome to ABP Live Wrestlers Protests LIVE blog for all the latest updates and breaking news on wrestlers protesting against Wrestling Federation of India.
The Centre has heard from all parties involved in the allegations levelled against WFI. A tournament was halted immediately, the Addl Secy was fired, and an oversight committee would launch an impartial investigation to clarify everything, news agency ANI reported quoting Union Minister Anurag Thakur. (ANI Input)
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) AGM, which was supposed to start at 10 am today in Ayodhya, has been called off, reports ANI.
The GoI has decided to suspend all WFI activities until the Oversight Committee is properly established and takes over the day-to-day operations of the WFI. This includes the suspension of any ongoing ranking competitions as well as the refund of any entry fees collected from participants for any ongoing activities. (ANI Input)
Protesters have acted more out of personal interest or under excessive pressure to smear and discredit the current sitting management of WFI. The protest has some personal as well as concealed objectives to unseat the current management of WFI. (PTI Input)
There is no scope for arbitrariness or mismanagement in the WFI by anyone, including the President: WFI to Sports Ministry.
The allegations are baseless. There is nothing like that. It has been 3-4 days, and they still haven't produced any evidence. I have been associated with them for the past 12 years, and I haven't seen anything as such: WFI Assistant Secretary Vinod Tomar responds to wrestlers' protest and allegations, ANI reported.
"It's very serious, gravest is sexual harassment allegations. There can be no compromise in sexual harassment allegations. If it happened, it should be probed & accused be punished": Yogeshwar Dutt, a part of the 7-member IOA committee to probe wrestlers' sexual harassment allegations, said.
"Also, if the allegations are false, it should be probed why were they levelled and what was the motive behind this?" he added, as per ANI.
The Committee will prepare a report within 8-10 days after listening to both sides. We'll send the report to both the Sports Ministry & Home Ministry as well as to the Prime Minister, he informed.
The aggrieved grapplers called off their protest late on Friday night after getting assurances from the government that their grievances would be addressed, the first step of which was the stepping aside of under-fire Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Ravi Dahiya, decided to end their protest after a breakthrough was achieved during a second round of talks with union sports minister Anurag Thakur.
The wrestlers, some of the country's finest, have levelled allegations of sexual harassment and corruption against the WFI and its chief.
"It has been decided that an oversight committee will be formed. Names for which will be announced tomorrow. The committee will complete its investigation within four weeks. It will thoroughly probe all the allegations be it financial or sexual harassment that have been levelled against WFI and its chief," Thakur said after the marathon meeting.
"Till the investigation is over, he (Singh) will step aside and co-operate with the investigation and the oversight committee will run the day-to-day affairs of WFI," he added. This came barely few hours after the Indian Olympic Association had formed a seven-member committee, headed by M C Mary Kom, to probe the charges against Singh.
Olympic medallist Bajrang said, "We have been assured safety and security by the government because we were threatened by WFI president in the past. We did not want to take the route of protest, but we were pushed to the limit.
"This is an important year with the Asian Games and Olympic qualifiers lined up. So, after getting assurances from the government, we have decided to end the protest." "We are sure the committee will conduct an unbiased investigation. As far as our safety is concerned, the minister has assured that it is their responsibility." Besides legendary boxer Mary Kom and wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, the IOA panel includes archer Dola Banerjee and Indian Weightlifting Federation of India (IWLF) president Sahdev Yadav.
The committee also has two advocates -- Talish Ray and Shlok Chandra -- besides former shuttler Alaknanda Ashok, who is its vice chairperson.
The IOA decision was taken during the apex sports body's emergency Executive Council meeting, which was attended by the likes of Olympic champion shooter Abhinav Bindra, Olympic bronze medallist Yogeshwar, along with IOA president PT Usha and joint secretary Kalyan Chaubey.
IOA Athletes Commission Member Shiva Keshvan was a special invitee in the meeting.
IOA president PT Usha has assured that a thorough investigation will be carried out by its panel to ensure justice. PTI
Wrestlers from Haryana return from the Gonda Sports event in support of wrestlers protesting against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) at Jantar Mantar.
National wrestling competition to be held in Gonda from 21 to 23 January.
The government on Friday clarified that they have no right to sack Braj Bhushan Sharan Singh. He is an elected President of WFI. Earlier on Thursday, in a four-hour meeting, Wrestlers discussed their concerns with Sports Minister Anurag Thakur.
The government said that if the wrestlers agree, Braj Bhushan Sharan Singh can disassociate himself from the wrestling association till the investigation report comes.
The government told the wrestlers that a three-member committee can be formed to investigate the allegations of sexual harassment and only the wrestlers can select the names of its three members.
The coaches against whom the allegations are made may also walk away from the wrestling association until the probe is over.
According to sources, the wrestlers could not tell anything concrete about the allegations of sexual harassment.
The wrestlers had said last night that they would come back today to discuss the government's proposals.
"Stay arrangements are made by organisers and each country's team is kept at a separate place. The (woman) wrestler who alleged that the door was open was not in that tournament": WFI President Brijbhushan S Singh on allegations that he stayed in the same hotel in Bulgaria thus violating rules, as per ANI.
I am not sitting here because of anyone's mercy, but after being elected by the public, he said.
"We're sad that the athletes have to sit here in protest leaving their practice. Our fight is only against the Wrestling Federation of India. We appeal to Prime Minister, Home Minister and Union Sports minister to hear our demands. WFI President has given this fight a political turn," Olympian Wrestler Bajrang Punia said.
Vinesh Phogat appealed to Prime Minister Modi for his intervention, she said if a resolution does not come by evening, wrestlers will lodge FIR tomorrow.
"I want justice to be served to those wrestlers, there must be a thorough probe into the allegations raised by wrestlers and there must be a CBI probe against those who’re involved in this", Vijender Singh, the Olympian Boxer & Congress leader, said.
"There must be a live recording of the interaction between the Union Sports minister or any official with the wrestlers so that we will get to know exactly what they’ve discussed & will understand who is wrong & who is right," he told ANI.
Protesting wrestlers send a written complaint against Brij Bhushan Singh to Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha.
The athletes wrote a letter to IOA President PT Usha, accusing the WFI President of sexual exploitation and financial irregularities in the complaint.
The letter signed by Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Ravi Dahiya, and Deepak Punia's demands the resignation of the WFI president and the formation of an inquiry committee on the allegations of sexual abuse.
Allegations of sexual harassment, mental torture, non-payment of sponsorship money, coaches not selected on the basis of merit, and Vinesh Phogat being mentally harassed have been raised.
"I have not had a talk with anyone yet. I will address a press conference later today. 300 athletes from Haryana have reached here," Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, in Gonda, UP.
He said his resignation is out of the question.
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is to now hold a press conference after 4 pm at the Wrestling Training Centre in Nawabganj, Gonda district, Uttar Pradesh, today.
"Exposing the political conspiracy of those conspiring against wrestling and playing with the dignity of women wrestlers," Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh wrote on Facebook in a Hindi post announcing his press conference to be held today.
Wrestlers to address a presser at Delhi's Jantar Mantar at 10:30 AM.
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh to hold a press conference at 12 pm today at the Wrestling Training Centre in Nawabganj in Gonda district, Uttar Pradesh, he informed on Facebook.
Top Indian wrestlers refused to back down from their demand that the government initiate immediate steps to disband the Wrestling Federation of India as they met Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur.
Celebrated Indian wrestlers, including Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, world championship medallist Vinesh Phogat and others have been staging a sit-in protest for the last two days at Jantar Mantar here against WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexual exploitation and intimidation.
On Thursday night, the protesting wrestlers led by Vinesh and Bajrang besides Sakshi, Anshu Malik, Ravi Dahiya, Sarita Mor and others met Thakur at his residence and demanded speedy action.
The two sides were involved in a marathon meeting which ended around 2 am, with the parties failing to find a tangible solution thus far.
According to sources, the government wants the wrestlers to end their protest but the athletes are adamant that the WFI should be disbanded first.
"The government can resolve other issues later... we are fine with that, but it must disband the WFI first," a source close to the wrestlers told PTI.
A team of wrestlers, including Bajrang, Vinesh, Anshu, Sakshi and her husband Satyawrat Kadiyan met government officials earlier on Thursday and discussed their issues with Sports Secretary Sujata Chaturvedi, Sports Authority of India Director General Sandip Pradhan and Joint Secretary (Sports) Kunal.
During the hour-long meeting, the wrestlers were asked to end their protest and assured that their grievances will be addressed.
The WFI is yet to submit a response to the Sports Ministry, which has sought an explanation over the wrestlers' allegations.
The ministry cannot force Brij Bhushan to resign unless it receives a written reply since the government itself had asked the WFI for an explanation.
Former wrestler and BJP leader Babita Phogat was also part of the meeting. (PTI)
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha on Thursday said she is "deeply concerned and disturbed" by the sexual harassment allegations by renowned wrestlers against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, saying the national Olympic body will do everything possible to safeguard the interest of the country's women athletes.
Celebrated Indian wrestlers, including Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik besides Vinesh Phogat and others are staging a sit-in protest for the last two days at Jantar Mantar here against the WFI president, accusing him of sexual exploitation and intimidation and have demanded that the federation be disbanded.
"As a woman and former athlete and presently a sports administrator, I am deeply concerned and disturbed by the latest developments in Indian wrestling, where a section of the athletes has brought serious allegations against a senior official of the sport," Usha said in a statement issued by the Indian Olympic Association.
"NCW has not received a single complaint from any of those wrestlers who’re protesting. If anybody lodges a complaint with us, we immediately conduct a probe & take action," said Rekha Sharma, Chairperson, NCW.
"The dharna will continue until justice is done, we will keep sitting - Tomorrow we will sit on dharna at 10 o'clock. We are waiting for Anurag Thakur," said Vinesh Phogat.
"5-6 women wrestlers are there with us who have faced these atrocities and we have evidence to prove it," said Bajrang Punia, Olympian Wrestler.
When Bajrang Punia returned after meeting the Sports Ministry, he answered the questions of the journalists and said that we are satisfied.
The meeting of the Executive Committee and AGM of the Wrestling Federation of India will be held in Ayodhya on January 22. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh will preside over the meeting.
Wrestlers protesting at Jantar Mantar are likely to hold a press conference at 4:15 pm.
According to sources, Sports Ministry officials said that the accused in the WFI scandal cannot be dismissed based on allegations as he is an elected public representative. All the accused must get time to reply, after which appropriate action will be taken.
After meeting with Union Sports Ministry, Wrestlers went back to Jantar Mantar.
An emergency meeting of the Wrestling Federation of India's executive committee has been called in Ayodhya from January 21 to 23, sources told ABP News.
Speaking on the issue between wrestlers and the Wrestling Foundation of India, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said: "The safety of our women athletes is very important and we take it seriously. We will not let their morale down. All the issues raised by the athletes will be taken seriously."
Wrestler Babita Phogat reached Jantar Mantar where other wrestlers are staging sit-in protest against Wrestling Federation of India and said that she will keep their demands in front of the government and that an impartial probe will be done in the matter.
Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda Thursday demanded a CBI and Supreme Court-monitored probe against the Wrestling Federation of India after several wrestlers alleged WFI officials and coaches of sexual harassment and staged sit-in protests regarding the same.
"It's unfortunate that our wrestlers had to protest after they were not heard by their federation. I demand that the Government of India should take immediate action by suspending the Wrestling Federation of India; A CBI and SC monitored probe should be conducted," he said.
Background
Wrestlers Protests LIVE Updates: Hello and welcome to ABP Live Wrestlers Protests LIVE blog for all the latest updates and breaking news on wrestlers protest against Wrestling Federation of India. Several wrestlers including Olympians and star wrestlers Sakshee Malikkh, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia on Wednesday made claims of sexual harrasment against officials and coaches of WFI and lead a sit-in protest against the "dictatorship" of the national federation President, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
Although the wrestlers did not specify the specifics of their complaints or demands, it was evident that they were dissatisfied with the manner in which Brij Bhushan Singh, who is also a Kaiserganj-based BJP MP, runs the WFI.
Around 30 wrestlers gathered at Jantar Mantar, including Bajrang, Vinesh, Rio Olympics medalist Sakshi Malikkh, world championship medalist Sarita Mor, Sangeeta Phogat, Satyawart Malik, Jitender Kinha, and Commonwealth Games medalist Sumit Malik.
Meanwhile, WFI President Singh denied the allegations and said that pressure was being created on some wrestlers to join the protest.
"97% of players are with the WFI. I'm hurt by the sexual harassment allegations. No player can bring those charges against me or chief coach. Pressure was created on some wrestlers to sit on dharna," he told the news agency ANI.
Following the development, The Union Sports Ministry sought an explanation from the Wrestling Federation of India over the allegations, said the Sports Authority of India, reported ANI. The Ministry has directed WFI to furnish a reply within next 72 hours into the allegation against it by the wrestlers, it added.
Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal also stepped in and joined the protest Wednesday.
"Olympian wrestlers Sakshee Malikkh, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who have brought laurels to the country, are forced to protest today. They say the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) President and coaches sexually exploit the players. Issuing a notice to the Sports Ministry and the Police to investigate the matter," she tweeted.
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