Access to basic supplies restricted at protest site, say wrestlers

Bajrang Punia says Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh must answer questions on the sexual harassment charges

On a cloudy Saturday afternoon, between sets of barricades in central Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, sat the wrestlers, khap leaders, politicians, activists, and the common people, demanding justice for wrestlers protesting against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Wrestler Bajrang Punia on Friday night took to Instagram to accuse the Delhi Police of restricting supply of electricity and rations.

“At the protest site, they (police) have cut off electricity and have barricaded the site, making it difficult for us to access basic necessities like food and water, they even asked us to end our protest as FIRs have been registered against WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh,” Mr. Punia said, in his Instagram video.

“They are not allowing food, water, or mats inside, trying to break us. And this is not about competition or participating, it is about sexual harassment, why doesn’t he answer that? He has also said he knows what statement and complaint the minor has made, how is that possible? And we are still asked to trust the police and committees,” Mr. Punia said.

There was no immediate response from the Delhi Police and Sports Ministry on the concerns raised by Mr. Punia.

The Delhi Police are giving protection to seven women wrestlers, including a minor, who have made complaints.

According to the wrestlers’ lawyer Narender Hooda, one FIR has been registered under IPC Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354(A) (sexual harassment), and 354(D) (stalking a woman) and another under the POCSO Act. Mr. Hooda told The Hindu, “A copy of the first FIR has been given to the wrestlers, and the second FIR copy has not been provided to us [as it will be given only to the victim’s family].”