Silent protest held in Shimla for immediate action against accused wrestling federation president
Shimla, May 12
A strong and silent protest was held on Friday in front of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at the Ridge in Shimla demanding the immediate arrest of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the president of the Indian Wrestling Federation, who has been accused of sexual harassment of female wrestlers. The protest was joined by a large number of Shimla residents, including retired government officials, lawyers, professors, and senior citizens. Tourists also showed solidarity with the cause.
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This is not the first time that wrestlers have protested against Brij Bhushan, stated the protesters. Top wrestlers, including two Olympic medalists and a world champion, have been sitting on a protest at Jantar Mantar since April 23, but the government has ignored their demands for action against the accused, they added.
Those who participated in the protest include Deepak Sanan Retired IAS and former additional chief secretary HP, former Deputy Mayor Tikender Panwar, Prof Chetan Singh former director IIAS, Shyama Dogra former judge CAT, Mala Singh former councillor MC Shimla, Prof Amar Singh Sankhyan former VC Law University, Prof Sisham Radha HOD National Law University Delhi, Prof Vijay Kaushal Retired from HPU, Prof Rajinder Chauhan, Retired from HPU, Kuldeep Singh Tanwar, Retired IFS, Sanjeev Bhushan Senior Advocate HP High Court, senior citizens, Sanjeev Khajuria, among others.
“The government’s hollow slogan of Beti Bachao, sounds harsher than ever, as their actions show a clear lack of intention to ensure women’s safety,” stated the citizens on protest. Adding that, this is in fact not the first time the BJP has shielded a leader who has been accused of sexual harassment. “In this case, justice is not just being delayed, it is being outrightly denied,” they stated.
Sexual harassment accusations are a cognizable offense under Indian law, but the Delhi Police did not register an FIR for three months, which is illegal. The FIRs were filed only after the Supreme Court’s intervention on April 28, 2023. The Delhi Police have also been targeting the protesters by cutting off electricity, water, and food supplies to the protest site and manhandling protesters.
