The head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is a BJP member of parliament, approached a female wrestler, promising to buy her “supplements” for sustenance, in exchange for sexual favors. As a result, wrestlers have been protesting for over 30 days, demanding strict action to be taken against Brij Bhushan, the head of WFI.
Allegations Against Brij Bhushan
A female wrestler alleged BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh that, when she won a gold medal in a significant competition, he called her into his room, made her sit on his bed against her will, and “forcefully” held her. She was “deeply disturbed and scared” as a result of his “repeated indecent advances” and “continuous acts of sexual harassment” over a period of years.
One of the seven wrestlers who were protesting formally filed a complaint with the Connaught Place police station in New Delhi on April 21. It has been revealed that these are the primary charges that were made.
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh offered to buy me supplements if I gave in to sexual advances: a woman wrestler — also a medallist to Delhi Police.https://t.co/QZAv8hP4fM
— Mahender Singh Manral (@mahendermanral) June 2, 2023
Her name has been withheld to protect her identity. Since The Indian Express reported on two further allegations filed by Wrestlers 1 and 2 on May 7, she is Wrestler 3. They reported at least eight instances of groping, inappropriate touching, and inappropriate physical contact as well as sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour.
When it Happened and What Action Wrestlers Took
These incidents took place during competitions, warm-ups, and even in the WFI office.
When taken as a whole, the three charges that have recently surfaced are noteworthy because the Government asked the protesting wrestlers to “trust” the Delhi Police investigation. To express their discontent with the lack of action done in response to their complaints, the wrestlers first intended to throw their medals into the Ganga river on Tuesday in Haridwar.
Wrestler 3 alleges in her complaint that she was “traumatised” while discussing Singh’s “forcible hug” the evening of her gold medal victory with a senior wrestler, but nothing came of it. She also informed her mother about Singh’s advances. Singh, according to Wrestler 3, called her mother several times in an effort to reach her despite being aware of her adamant “resistance.” She had to update her personal mobile number.
Wrestler 3 was unwinding in her room after winning the gold medal when a physiotherapist called to say that the WFI president wanted her to meet him in his room. She then laments the coerced hug. She went because she believed Singh wanted to congratulate her on her achievement. Singh put her on the phone with her parents, then invited her to his bed, where he abruptly gave her a hug without her asking. According to Wrestler 3, she started crying.
