Top wrestlers in India are protesting against the chief of the wrestling federation, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and have asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to give them time to discuss the issue. The athletes resumed their protest on Sunday, three months after they ended their sit-in protest following the formation of an oversight committee to investigate allegations of sexual harassment against Singh. The findings of the six-member panel have not yet been made public. On Wednesday, the wrestlers accused Modi of ignoring their plight, despite inviting them to his home and calling them his daughters when they win medals. Delhi Police has informed the Supreme Court that a preliminary inquiry may be necessary before an FIR can be registered into a complaint by the wrestlers alleging sexual harassment by Singh.
Star wrestler Vinesh Phogat has called on sportspersons to join the protest to oust Singh, while Olympic champion shooter Abhinav Bindra has also shown his support. Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik criticised the situation, stating that it was a matter of shame that athletes who are honoured in the country for their success at the international level are now fighting for justice on the streets. The Delhi Commission For Women (DCW) has demanded an FIR be registered against police officers for not lodging a case in connection with the sexual harassment allegations against Singh.
