DCW chief Swati Maliwal demands arrest of WFI chief, release of wrestlers
Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal wrote to Delhi Police Commissioner on Sunday, demanding the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The Delhi women's panel's head also sought the release of detained wrestlers and action against the officers who detained them.
सुबह से हिरासत में ली गई महिला पहलवानों और समर्थकों को अब तक रिहा नहीं किया गया है। पुलिस कमिश्नर को पत्र लिख ये माँगें रखी हैं -
1. बृज भूषण की तुरंत गिरफ़्तारी हो
2. सारे पहलवानों को तुरंत रिहा किया जाए #WrestlerProtest pic.twitter.com/ZAp2gjmrpL — Swati Maliwal (@SwatiJaiHind) May 28, 2023
This comes as the Delhi Police on Sunday manhandled the protesting wrestlers, detained them, and took them to an undisclosed location, which was reported to be closer to Tikri Border.
"Ye desh ke champions hain atankwadi nahi! Sharmnak (They are the champions of the country, not terrorists! Embarrassing," the DCW chief said on Twitter.
In another tweet, she said: "This is Sakshi Malik. Olympics medalist, Padma Shri and Khel Ratna awardee. This is how she was dragged on the streets of Delhi today." She shared the picture of Sakshi Malik being forcefully taken into police custody.
This is Sakshi Malik. Olympics medalist, Padma Shri and Khel Ratna awardee. This is how she was dragged on the streets of Delhi today. #WrestlersProtest
(1/n) pic.twitter.com/ArKAmtMChS — Swati Maliwal (@SwatiJaiHind) May 28, 2023
"This is @BajrangPunia. He is also an Olympics medalist and PadmaShri, Khel Ratna awardee. He has put his entire career on risk to fight for justice for women wrestlers. He too has been dragged and detained by Delhi Police!," another tweet by Maliwal read.
This is @BajrangPunia . He is also an Olympics medalist and PadmaShri, Khel Ratna awardee. He has put his entire career on risk to fight for justice for women wrestlers. He too has been dragged and detained by Delhi Police!#WrestlersProtest
(2/n) pic.twitter.com/6ZldYrTlWv — Swati Maliwal (@SwatiJaiHind) May 28, 2023
Ace wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshee Mallik, and Bajrang Punia were among those detained by Delhi Police on Sunday as they attempted to march to the new Parliament building to stage a protest.
According to reports, Delhi police also removed the makeshift tents placed by the protesting wrestlers at Jantar Mantar.
Wrestlers announced plans to stage a women's Maha Panchayat in front of the new Parliament to protest Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan, who has been accused of sexually harassing women wrestlers. A police report has been lodged against him by seven women wrestlers.
Also Read | IPL 2023 Final, CSK vs GT LIVE Score: Heavy rain in Ahmedabad, delay in toss likely
- ANI
