Protesting wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia detained ahead of march to Parliament
In a forceful end to the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar, wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia were detained by the Delhi police on Sunday. The wrestlers were taken into custody for violating law and order after breaching the security cordon while attempting to move towards the new Parliament building for a planned women’s ‘Mahapanchayat’.
Detention and Clearing of Protest Site
Immediately following the wrestlers’ detainment, police officers swiftly cleared the protest site at Jantar Mantar. They removed cots, mattresses, coolers, fans, and the tarpaulin ceiling along with other belongings of the wrestlers. Although no official statement has been released, indications suggest that the wrestlers will not be allowed to return to the protest site.
Despite warnings from the police to refrain from moving towards Parliament, the wrestlers proceeded, leading to a scuffle between the athletes and police officers. The wrestlers had resumed their agitation against former Wresting Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, demanding his arrest for alleged sexual harassment of several women grapplers, including a minor.
Chaotic Scenes and Dramatic Moments
The scene at Jantar Mantar turned chaotic as wrestlers and police officers pushed and shoved each other when Vinesh Phogat, her cousin sister Sangeeta Phogat, and Sakshi attempted to breach the barricades. Vinesh resisted her detention, while Sangeeta clung to her cousin sister, lying on the road, during a dramatic struggle.
Delhi Police Special CP, Law and Order, Dependra Pathak, confirmed the wrestlers’ detention and stated that legal action would be taken after an inquiry. The detained wrestlers and their supporters have been taken to different locations across the national capital. Bajrang Punia has been detained near Mayur Vihar, Sakshi Malik is in Burari, and Vinesh Phogat and Sangeeta Phogat were taken to Kalkaji.
Reactions and Social Media Outrage
Expressing their disappointment, the detained wrestlers voiced their frustration. Vinesh Phogat, from a bus window, remarked that they are being punished for demanding justice and sarcastically welcomed the “new country.” Bajrang Punia criticized the treatment of athletes demanding justice, while Sakshi Malik took to Twitter to vent her anger against the government and the Delhi Police.
The detained wrestlers had accused the outgoing WFI President of sexual harassment and demanded his arrest. The protest and detainment have drawn attention to the wrestlers’ plight and raised questions about their treatment. Despite the setback, the wrestlers remain determined to proceed with their peaceful march and the Mahapanchayat, indicating that the fight for justice is far from over.
