Wrestlers Meet Sports Minister: Probe Completion Assured by June 15, Singh’s Arrest Status Unclear

New Delhi: Union Minister Anurag Thakur presented a written proposal to protesting wrestlers after a five-hour meeting on Wednesday. The proposal assures the completion of the investigation against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the wrestling federation chief and a BJP MP, by June 15, but does not mention his arrest.

The wrestlers have been demanding Singh’s arrest, accusing him of sexual harassment. They claim that women athletes, including a minor girl, have been harassed by Singh. The wrestlers launched their campaign against him in January and held a protest at Jantar Mantar in April, expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s response.

The government’s proposal states that the Delhi Police will file a chargesheet and conduct independent elections for the Wrestling Federation by June 30. The government has also agreed to the wrestlers’ demand that Singh and his associates not be included in the new internal committee, which will be led by a woman. Additionally, the government has offered to withdraw the cases filed against the wrestlers.

After the meeting, wrestler Bajrang Punia stated that the protesters would discuss the proposal with their supporting organizations and convey their decision to the government. Anurag Thakur had extended an open invitation to the wrestlers on Twitter, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah arranged a second round of talks following an interview with Bajrang Punia.

The Delhi Police cleared the protest site on May 28 and took action against the wrestlers when they attempted to protest outside the new parliament without permission. The government has consistently emphasized allowing the law to take its course, as reiterated by Amit Shah during the meeting with the wrestlers.

Bajrang Punia clarified that there was no settlement with the government and dismissed rumours of the minor girl withdrawing her complaint. The protest will continue, and the wrestlers are strategizing on how to proceed.