Indian Wrestler Sakshi Malik Expresses Disappointment Over Silence on Sexual Misconduct

| 13 June 2023

Indian wrestler Sakshi Malik, the first Indian woman to win an Olympic wrestling medal, has voiced her concerns and disappointment over the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the allegations of sexual misconduct leveled against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the outgoing chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). In an interview with the BBC, Malik expressed her hurt and recalled the warm reception she and fellow athletes received from the Prime Minister in the past, contrasting it with the current situation.

Malik is part of a group of top Indian wrestlers who have been staging protests for several months, demanding the arrest of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Singh, who is also an influential Member of Parliament from Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has vehemently denied all allegations made against him.

Based on the testimonies of seven athletes, including one minor, the Delhi police have initiated two cases against Singh. The accusations include years of harassment, prompting the police to invoke the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Although Singh has been questioned by the police, he has not yet been arrested.

Malik and other prominent wrestlers temporarily suspended their agitation after a meeting with Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, who promised that the investigation against Singh would be completed by June 15. However, Malik emphasized that the fight for justice is far from over, and the severity of the charges against Singh will determine their future course of action.

Malik called on Prime Minister Modi to ensure an impartial police investigation and expressed her desire for a fair and proper investigation. The government has assured that neither Singh nor his close associates would have any role in the new wrestling federation, which will be elected by July 4. However, the wrestlers argue that Singh's influential status could lead to interference in the federation's affairs, emphasizing that only his arrest would prevent such interference.

The wrestlers began their protests in January but temporarily called them off when the sports ministry suspended Singh's administrative powers for a few weeks and promised an investigation. However, in April, the protests resumed with a renewed demand for Singh's arrest.

Last month, the protest site was forcefully cleared, and several wrestlers were briefly detained when they attempted to march to India's new parliament. The police filed cases, including rioting charges, against the wrestlers. These actions drew criticism from top athletes, opposition politicians, and the International Olympic Association, who all called for an impartial investigation.

On May 30, the wrestlers threatened to dispose of their medals in the Ganges, India's holiest river. In response, a delegation of protesters met with Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence the following week.

Regarding recent developments, Indian media reported that the minor athlete who made allegations against Singh withdrew her complaint. However, Malik believes that the athlete may have been pressurized into doing so. She reiterated that despite the non-applicability of charges under the POCSO Act, there are numerous other complaints against Singh that warrant his arrest, emphasizing the need for equal application of the law.

As the wrestlers continue their fight for justice, Malik expressed her disappointment in witnessing the Prime Minister's inaction throughout this period. Despite their prolonged presence on the streets and clear communication of their grievances, the wrestlers feel let down by the lack of support from the highest level of government.

The coming days will determine the course of action for Malik and her fellow wrestlers. As they await the completion of the investigation against Singh, the wrestling community hopes for a fair and impartial resolution that upholds the principles of justice and accountability.