NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India on Friday will hear the plea of wrestlers related to the sexual harassment matter against the WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
This week the court issued notices to the Delhi Police and others on the pleas by seven women wrestlers seeking registration of an FIR against WFI chief over allegations of sexual harassment, saying the matter is “serious” and requires its consideration.
“There are serious allegations made in the petition by wrestlers who have represented India in international games about sexual harassment meted out to them. The matter requires consideration by this court,” said a bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud.
Meanwhile, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh, the chief has released a video recording himself where he says he would embrace death the day he feels helpless.
“Friends, the day I introspect on what I gained or lost, and feel that I no longer have the strength to fight; the day I feel helpless, I would wish death as I won’t be living a life like that. Instead of living such a life, I would wish that death takes me in its embrace,” Brij Bhushan is heard saying in the video.
Hours after Usha on Thursday said the grapplers lacked discipline as they hit the streets to protest, star Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia criticised the decorated track and field athlete.
Punia interacting with a senior Journo reaffirmed that he and fellow wrestlers will continue to protest until and unless they get justice. He also criticised Usha for not understanding the pain of women athletes despite being a woman.
“I feel sad after knowing PT Usha mam’s comment because we consider her a good athelete. She didn’t understand the pain of women despite being a woman. For the last three months we have been waiting for justice and now when they are calling it indiscipline I think they can’t understand the pain of athletes despite being a woman. I feel very sad,” Punia said.
“Our feeling is that for sexual harassment complaints, IOA has a committee and athletes’ commission. Instead of going to the street (again), they should have come to us, but they have not at all come to IOA,” Usha told reporters. “They are sitting on a dharna and asking all political parties to join them, and that is what disappoints me.”
The elite wrestlers of India returned to Jantar Mantar to resume their protest as the Delhi police failed to register an FIR and the committee formed under the directive to Mary Kom failed to provide them with appropriate documents on the probe.