| 11 June 2023
Vinesh Phogat, a renowned Indian wrestler and two-time Olympian, has accused Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually abusing her. Phogat expressed her disappointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the issue, stating that it has deeply hurt her. This allegation has triggered a wave of protests from fellow athletes, including Olympic medallists Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, who have been demanding Singh's arrest.
Phogat, along with six other female athletes, has lodged a police complaint against Singh, accusing him of sexual harassment. In an interview with Reuters, the 28-year-old wrestler criticized the slow progress of the police investigation into the allegations against Singh. She revealed that she has felt humiliated since she mustered the courage to protest, especially after she and her fellow wrestlers were forcefully removed from a protest site in New Delhi by the police last month.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is also a member of parliament from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has vehemently denied the allegations made against him. Two cases have been filed against Singh by the Delhi Police, including one under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Phogat has claimed that Singh would use every possible means to target young athletes during training camps and tournaments, repeatedly subjecting them to groping.
"It was the same disgusting pattern over and over again, and I am among the victims," Phogat expressed during the interview conducted at her residence in northern Haryana state. She also revealed that the mental trauma caused her to contemplate suicide. However, a meeting with Prime Minister Modi in 2021 gave her renewed hope as he promised to address the complaints made by the female wrestlers.
Phogat expressed her disappointment with the lack of action and support from Prime Minister Modi, stating, "It's been emotionally draining, and the PM has not said anything about this case." She further mentioned that she and the other accusers had provided more detailed complaints to Sports Minister Anurag Thakur. However, Phogat claimed that Thakur did not show genuine interest in listening to her concerns, as he was busy on his phone during their conversation.
At the time of reporting, representatives from Anurag Thakur's office and the Prime Minister's office were not immediately available for comment on the matter.
The allegations made by Vinesh Phogat and her fellow athletes against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh have shed light on the issue of sexual abuse within the Indian sporting community. The ongoing protests by the athletes reflect their determination to seek justice and hold those responsible accountable. As the investigation progresses, it remains to be seen how the government and the sports authorities will respond to these serious allegations and ensure a safe environment for athletes in the future.
Comments