Despite protests, demand for action, WFI chief finds strength in support from his Rajput caste

The Rajput Mahasabha described the wrestlers’ protest as unethical, adding that the Rajput community would not tolerate the politicisation of this issue

The ongoing protest by wrestlers at the Jantar Mantar in Delhi has taken a caste-ist hue, with the Rajput Mahasabha in Muzaffarnagar, western U.P., holding a protest earlier this week outside the District Magistrate’s office, expressing solidarity with the Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Mr. Singh has been named in two FIRs, including one under POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012). India’s women wrestlers have claimed since January that he sexually harassed them. 

Following the Supreme Court’s directive to take action, Delhi Police said on May 12 that Mr. Singh’s statement had been recorded and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to look into the matter.

The support Mr. Singh finds has come after Khap panchayats and farmers arrived from Haryana’s hinterland to give the Central government a 15-day ultimatum to take action against the alleged perpetrator.  

The Rajput Mahasabha described the wrestlers’ protest as unethical, adding that the Rajput community would not tolerate the politicisation of this issue based on caste, hinting at the protest’s predominantly Jat participation. They also said he is being harassed because of his caste. 

Despite the protest that has been going on for over three weeks now and the pressure to arrest Mr. Singh, the six-time Member of Parliament continues as the head of the Wrestling Federation of India, though he is no longer running its day-to-day work.  

“The protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is unethical. The FIR has been registered after a hearing in the Supreme Court, and an investigation is underway…. Our Rajput community will unite against such acts,” said Rajendra Singh Pundir, a leader of Rajput Mahasabha, after submitting a memorandum demanding a fair probe. This was addressed to the Prime Minister and routed through Muzzaffarnagar’s district magistrate (DM).