Delhi Women’s Commission demands action against police for inaction in wrestler’s case
NEW DELHI: Former Jammu and Kashmir governor, Satyapal Malik, has expressed his disappointment over the recent sit-in protest by top wrestlers in India against the head of the Indian Wrestling Federation, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and other coaches. Malik criticized the fact that athletes who were once honored for their performances at the international level are now resorting to street protests to seek justice.
The protest started on Sunday, with wrestlers making serious allegations against Singh, including sexual exploitation of female athletes, and filing a complaint with the police. Despite the allegations, an FIR has not yet been registered, which has led to further criticism from activists and officials.
Swati Maliwal, the chairperson of the Delhi Women’s Commission, has demanded the registration of an FIR against the policemen who have failed to take action in this matter. She pointed out that the Delhi Police’s inaction in registering an FIR is illegal under section 166A (c) of the Indian Penal Code. Maliwal has recommended the registration of an FIR against the guilty policemen.
5 दिन हो गए पर दिल्ली पुलिस ने #Wrestlers की शिकायत पे FIR नहीं दर्ज की। ये Illegal है। क़ानून की धारा 166 A (C) IPC कहती है अगर पुलिसवाला सेक्सुअल हैरेसमेंट की FIR दर्ज न करे तो उसके ख़िलाफ़ FIR हो सकती है। हमने दोषी पुलिस अफ़सरो पे FIR करने की Recommendation भेजी है।… pic.twitter.com/mUNjvCOcLg
— Swati Maliwal (@SwatiJaiHind) April 26, 2023
Malik also expressed his support for the wrestlers’ cause and promised to join their protest after speaking to Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia on Tuesday night.
According to news agency PTI, Malik said, “When our daughters win medals and hoist the tricolor, then shamelessly we invite them for tea to felicitate them and take pictures with them. Today they are on the streets. Should be drowned in shame.”
The former governor’s comments come as a blow to the Indian Wrestling Federation, which has been facing mounting pressure to address the allegations made by the wrestlers. The protest has once again highlighted the issue of sexual harassment in sports in India and the need for swift action against those responsible.