Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia on Sunday revealed that they will take their fight against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh from the streets to the court.
Expressing satisfaction with the government's fulfillment of its promise to file a chargesheet against Brij Bhushan, the grapplers posted identical tweets stating, "The wrestlers' fight for justice will continue, but it will now be pursued in the court instead of on the road."
The identical statement by the three wrestlers marked the end of a 5-month long agitation that began in January after India's top women wrestlers accused the BJP MP of sexual harassment.
Furthermore, they addressed the need for reform within the WFI and mentioned that the election process has commenced as promised. They expressed their intention to await the fulfillment of government assurances regarding the WFI polls.
Shortly after releasing the statement, both Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik also announced that they will be taking a few days' break from social media.
On Saturday, during a live address on social media, Vinesh, Sakshi, and Bajrang criticized Yogeshwar Dutt, a former wrestler and current BJP leader, for questioning the IOA ad-hoc panel's decision to exempt them from Asian Games trials. In their nearly 40-minute speech, the wrestlers emphasized their determination to continue their fight against Brij Bhushan. They expressed their intention to assess the chargesheet filed against Singh and decide on the next course of action.
Responding to inquiries about their silence, Vinesh stated, "The deadline to suspend our protest was June 15. Our fight for justice will persist, whether on or off the mat. We await a copy of the chargesheet to determine its strength for seeking justice. We will decide whether to take to the streets or put our lives at stake. That's why we are currently silent. Our battle is far from over."
Vinesh also accused Dutt of targeting them due to personal interests. She alleged, "You (Dutt) frightened other wrestlers, which is why they didn't join the second protest on April 23. You pressured them by threatening their jobs. People have expressed support for us, but they have their own constraints preventing them from joining."
She further added, "I know why you are doing this. Perhaps Brij Bhushan offered you the position of WFI President, which is why you have aligned yourself with him."
Following their removal from Jantar Mantar on May 28, the wrestlers temporarily suspended their protest until June 15, based on assurances from Sports Minister Anurag Thakur. Thakur promised to file a chargesheet against Brij Bhushan and ensure that none of his family members would be allowed to participate in WFI elections.
The wrestlers received significant support from farmer leaders, khap panchayats, and various organizations. They staged a 38-day sit-in at Jantar Mantar before being detained by the Delhi Police for violating law and order.
Their initial protest began on January 18, but it was suspended after Thakur pledged to investigate their allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation against 66-year-old Singh, who has served as a six-time BJP MP.
Also read: WFI Elections - Gauhati High Court stays Wrestling Federation of India elections