In response to a fresh invitation from the Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, star Indian wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik arrived at his residence on Wednesday to discuss allegations against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Their demands for Singh’s arrest due to sexual harassment claims led to these negotiations.
These high-profile grapplers have been protesting against Singh, a six-time BJP MP who was recently implicated by Delhi Police following these serious allegations. Thakur, aiming to mediate the situation, assured the wrestlers in a lengthy 6-hour discussion that the ongoing investigation against the WFI chief would be finalised by June 15, with a subsequent chargesheet to be delivered.
“The probe will be completed by June 15, and a chargesheet will be submitted. The subsequent election for the WFI president will be conducted by June 30,” Thakur revealed to reporters post-meeting. He also confirmed the formation of an Internal Complaint Committee within the wrestling federation, headed by a woman, in response to their demands.
Punia and Malik had earlier declared that they would confer with their mentors and supporters before accepting any proposal from the government. The minister’s reassurances seemed to have made some progress, though the wrestlers maintained their stern stance.
“The government has assured us that the police investigation will be completed before June 15. We requested all FIRs against wrestlers to be withdrawn, and he agreed,” stated Punia post-discussion, warning that failure to meet these promises could prompt fresh protests.
The minister also confirmed their request to bar Singh, who has completed three terms as WFI chief, and his associates from standing for future elections. Thakur further reported that the wrestlers have committed to suspending any new protests before June 15.