Heavy security was put in place at the Jantar Mantar location in the national capital on Thursday, following a scuffle between protesting wrestlers and some police officers late last night. DCPs from all districts in Delhi have been advised to remain on high alert, particularly in border regions, according to Delhi Police. Police have received information that a big number of people will be able to approach Jantar Mantar, where the wrestlers are protesting. Special caution is advised on highways leading to Central Delhi, and barricades have been erected in many locations, according to the Delhi Police.
The Supreme Court is due to hear a sexual assault lawsuit brought by seven female wrestlers against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Protesters have stated that they will not leave the protest location till Singh, a BJP MP, is arrested.
Wrestlers claimed they were manhandled and harassed by police officers at the protest location on Wednesday, prompting heavy security to be deployed today. The wrestlers also claimed that some police officers were inebriated and shoved and abused female protestors.
The Delhi Police responded by saying that fans of the protesting grapplers became confrontational as they were prohibited from carrying folding beds to the location, causing disruption. Wrestlers wanted to bring in mattresses to sleep on after Wednesday’s rain.
“Folding beds were brought to the protest site in Jantar Mantar. Since there was no permission, we didn’t allow it, so some of the supporters of the protesting wrestlers tried to take out the beds from the truck and this led to an altercation,” Deputy Commissioner of Police, Pranav Tayal said.
DCP Tayal stated that AAP leader Somnath Bharti, who arrived at the protest location with folding beds without permission, was held along with two others following a short incident. Swati Maliwal, the head of the Delhi Commission for Women, arrived at Jantar Mantar this morning to meet with wrestlers.
“I have come to meet the girls (wrestlers) again since it is my duty. Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik told us they were being tortured, and there were police officers who were drunk and misbehaved with them. I am concerned for their safety. Why is Delhi Police protecting Brij Bhushan? Why is Delhi Police not arresting him?” Maliwal told mediapersons.
Maliwal said on Twitter that she was not permitted to meet with the protesting wrestlers last night.
Deepender Singh Hooda, a Congress leader, also reported on Twitter that he was detained by the Delhi Police near Jantar Mantar. Hooda stated in a Hindi tweet that he was taken to the Vasant Vihar Police Station yesterday.
The Delhi Police said in a tweet today that Maliwal was briefly checked at the barricade yesterday and then let go.
“Hon’ble Chairperson DCW was stopped at the barricade by an officer and let go immediately. She is presently inside at the protest site. There is no restriction on individual entry to Jantar Mantar,” DCP New Delhi tweeted.
In response to the wrestlers’ assertions, DCP Tayal stated yesterday that the wrestlers had been requested to register a complaint and that a medical examination of the officer accused of being “drunk” will be done.
“We have told the wrestlers to give complaint on their grievances and will take appropriate action…medical check-up of the policeman on whom they’ve raised allegations, being conducted…,” the DCP said.
Deepender Singh Hooda, a Congress leader, also reported on Twitter that he was detained by the Delhi Police near Jantar Mantar. Hooda stated in a Hindi tweet that he was taken to the Vasant Vihar Police Station yesterday. The Delhi Police said in a tweet today that Maliwal was briefly checked at the barricade yesterday and then let go.
“Hon’ble Chairperson DCW was stopped at the barricade by an officer and let go immediately. She is presently inside the protest site. There is no restriction on individual entry to Jantar Mantar,” DCP New Delhi tweeted.
In response to the wrestlers’ assertions, DCP Tayal stated yesterday that the wrestlers had been requested to register a complaint and that a medical examination of the officer accused of being “drunk” will be done.
“We have told the wrestlers to give complaint on their grievances and will take appropriate action…medical check-up of the policeman on whom they’ve raised allegations, being conducted…,” the DCP said.
Wrestlers claim that inebriated Delhi Police officers assaulted them as they attempted to bring in mattresses to sleep on after a day of rain.
“We brought the beds because we were having trouble sleeping due to the rain.” Sakshi is in tears. This is the kind of respect they show our daughters, insulting them,” Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia told ANI yesterday.
Vinesh Phogat, a World Championships and Commonwealth Games medallist, also accused the cops of being inebriated and shoving and abusing female protesters.
“He was drunk. He hit someone on his head. He abused me and pushed several women protestors,” claimed Vinesh.
Ace wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Sakshee Mallikh, and other top grapplers have been protesting the WFI chief’s sexual harassment claims and seeking Brij Bhushan’s arrest.
Earlier on Wednesday, PT Usha, the president of the Indian Olympic Association, paid a visit to the wrestlers who have been on strike for the past 12 days. On April 30, the Delhi Police filed two FIRs against WFI president Singh, accusing him of sexual harassment and exploitation of female wrestlers.
