Indian wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshee Malikkh, prominent figures in the ongoing protests against Wrestling Federation Chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, engaged in discussions with Sports Minister Anurag Thakur. The meeting took place at Thakur’s residence after he extended a late-night invitation on Twitter.
This marks the second gathering between the wrestlers and the government within five days. Previously, the wrestlers met with Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday to address their demand for action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who stands accused of sexual harassment by seven women wrestlers.
In a tweet at 12:47 am, Minister Thakur expressed the government’s willingness to discuss the wrestlers ‘ concerns and extended the invitation once again. This tweet followed an interview by Bajrang Punia on NDTV, where he denied any clandestine agreement with the government and revealed that they were asked to keep their meeting with Amit Shah a secret.
Reportedly, after the interview, Punia received a phone call from Minister Shah, who invited the wrestlers for further talks. In response, Punia informed Shah that the wrestlers did not desire any secretive meetings. Subsequently, Minister Thakur issued another invitation for discussions.
During an exclusive interview with NDTV, Punia stated that Shah informed them of an ongoing investigation during their Saturday meeting. He expressed the wrestlers’ continued commitment to the protest movement and their strategy for advancing their cause. However, he emphasized the dissatisfaction of both the athletes and the government regarding the response and the failure to meet their demands.
The meeting between Shah, Punia, Malikkh, Sangita Phogat, and Satyawart Kadian lasted over an hour at 11 pm. Seven women wrestlers, including a minor, have accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. The wrestlers are demanding an impartial investigation and swift action against the chief of the wrestling body.
Delhi Police have interviewed several individuals in connection with the sexual harassment case against Singh. Sources indicate that three to four federation members have been questioned, and police have summoned staff members from Singh’s Delhi residence for questioning.
Rakesh Tikait, leader of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU), stated that the farmers’ union has postponed the June 9 demonstration against Singh at the wrestlers’ request. Tikait clarified that the union has not withdrawn its support and that they have been in close contact with the wrestlers. He added that they were advised to refrain from major protests or demonstrations.
During a ‘Mahapanchayat’ in Kurukshetra, Tikait announced his intention to stage a protest in Delhi, demanding Singh’s arrest. The farmer leader threatened to escalate the agitation and bring back the protesting wrestlers to Delhi’s Jantar Mantar if the government failed to take action against the wrestling body chief.
