Farmer Leaders Issue Ultimatum to Arrest Wrestling Body Chief, Threaten Nationwide Protests

New Delhi: Farmer leaders supporting India’s top athletes in their battle against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh have issued a fresh ultimatum to the government. They demand the immediate arrest of Singh or else face a larger-scale protest. Rakesh Tikait, a prominent farmer leader, stated that if the government fails to address the grievances of the wrestlers and apprehend Singh, they will accompany the athletes to Jantar Mantar in Delhi on June 9 and organize panchayats across the country.

Singh, who is also a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament, faces serious allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation. The wrestlers have accused him of exploiting his position within the WFI to sexually harass athletes. Farmer groups have shown their support by holding a “khap mahapanchayat” in Uttar Pradesh and staging protests in Punjab and Haryana.

The situation escalated when the wrestlers were reportedly mistreated by Delhi Police personnel while attempting to march towards the newly inaugurated parliament building on Sunday. Renowned wrestlers such as Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sangeeta Phogat are among those protesting against Singh’s tenure as the WFI chief.

Addressing the issue, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has promised justice for the wrestlers. However, the athletes insist on nothing less than the arrest of the BJP MP. Thakur emphasized the government’s commitment to conducting an impartial investigation and ensuring justice through the due process during the India Economic Conclave hosted by Times Network.

In a recent development, the wrestlers travelled to Haridwar and announced their intention to immerse their medals in the Ganga River. However, they were persuaded by farmer and khap leaders to refrain from taking this action. These leaders have requested a five-day extension from the wrestlers to address their concerns.

The Delhi Police have registered two FIRs (first information reports) based on the wrestlers’ complaints, including one filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, concerning allegations made by a minor wrestler.