Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat expressed shock and distress at the disrespectful behaviour of Delhi Police towards protesting wrestlers on Thursday night.
The protesters have been demonstrating since April 23, demanding the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is accused of sexually harassing seven female grapplers, one of whom is a minor.
The incident occurred on Thursday evening when the protesters were bringing folding beds for their night stay. A scuffle broke out between the protesters and the police personnel, who were allegedly enquiring about the beds. Wrestlers claim that police officers began behaving badly, even abusing the women wrestlers.
Vinesh Phogat was in tears during a late-night media interaction, saying, “If you want to kill us, then kill us… Does every man have a right to abuse women? These policemen are holding guns, they can kill us.” She went on to question the absence of female police officers and the male officers’ behaviour towards them.
Bajrang Punia, another wrestler, has urged farmers and the public to show support by reaching Jantar Mantar. “This is a question of the dignity of our daughters,” he said.
Punia also mentioned that CCTV cameras were present and would provide evidence of what happened. He refuted claims that AAP leader Somnath Bharti brought the folding beds, stating that CCTV footage would prove otherwise.
The protesters are disappointed that they have been subject to such treatment after winning medals for their country. They maintain that they are not criminals and do not deserve such disrespect. The incident has sparked outrage among supporters, and the wrestlers are determined to continue their protest until justice is served.
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