In a powerful display of unity and determination, hundreds of individuals joined wrestlers in a candlelight march to India Gate on Tuesday as their 31-day sit-in protest at Jantan Mantar continued. The wrestlers have been demanding the arrest of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who stands accused of sexual harassment. Notable Olympic medallists such as Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, alongside supporters from various organizations including the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), All India Mahila Congress, Bhim Army, and student groups, braved the scorching evening heat to lend their voices to the cause.
The march commenced at 4:30 PM, half an hour earlier than planned, under tight security provided by the Delhi Police, Central Reserve Police Force, and Rapid Action Force. Chanting slogans and proudly waving the national flag, the protesters passed by the heavily barricaded residence of Brij Bhushan Singh before making their way to the iconic monument. Despite the heightened security measures and the 2.5km stretch being cordoned off, the marchers covered the distance in approximately 90 minutes, lighting candles at India Gate to symbolically dispel the darkness associated with the accused. As the crowd swelled, three eminent wrestlers—Punia, Phogat, and Malik—climbed a police barricade to address the enthusiastic gathering.
Punia, addressing the crowd, expressed gratitude for the unwavering support received over the past month. He proclaimed, “Our protest has completed a month, and I would like to thank all our supporters who have stood by us. I want to make it clear that we are ready to sacrifice everything to ensure justice for these girls.” His words were met with resounding cheers and applause from the crowd. Phogat echoed Punia’s sentiments, emphasizing that the fight for justice extended beyond their personal struggle. She urged everyone to join them in their pursuit of justice for all women facing harassment in the country.
“For the past month, we have been demanding Brij Bhushan Singh’s arrest. It is shameful that no action has been taken yet. We have learned that similar marches have taken place in cities and districts across the country,” added Punia, the Asian Games champion. While buses were arranged to transport the protesters from Jantar Mantar to Andhra Bhavan, the starting point of the march, the majority opted to walk the entire distance, raising slogans and brandishing placards demanding Singh’s arrest.
Wrestlers’ Candlelight March to India Gate Draws Hundreds in Support of Justice
Commending their supporters for maintaining peace and order throughout the protest, Punia stated, “The fight will continue until we achieve justice.” Earlier in the day, Punia and Phogat visited Delhi University to engage with student groups, while Malik and her husband, Satyavrat Kadian, sought support from students at Jawaharlal Nehru University. Punia emphasized the importance of connecting with the youth, noting that numerous student organizations had already pledged their support.
The wrestlers reiterated their commitment to attend the Mahila Mahapanchayat on May 28, outside the new parliament building, coinciding with its inauguration. Punia outlined the plan, stating, “We will gather there at 11 AM, with women taking the lead in this peaceful protest, supported by youth groups and members of khaps. It is at the Mahapanchayat that we will chart the course of our protest.”
Despite the protest reaching its one-month mark, there seems to be no resolution in sight. Although two First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed against Brij Bhushan Singh, a sixth-term
Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh’s Kaiserganj constituency, progress in the case has been sluggish. The protesters are steadfast in their determination not to conclude the sit-in until Singh is arrested. In response, Singh announced a public meeting in Ayodhya, scheduled to take place early next month in the presence of religious leaders.
The functioning of the wrestling federation has been temporarily handed over to the Indian Olympic Committee (IOA) ad hoc committee, which recently conducted trials for the U-17 and U-23 men’s and women’s categories. However, the protesting wrestlers have faced disruptions to their training and competition schedules, with their hopes for the Asian Games fading away. As per the team announced by the WFI on Tuesday, Anuj Kumar has replaced Punia (65kg), while Pooja Gehlot and Sonam Malik have taken the spots of Phogat (53kg) and Malik (62kg) respectively.
Hundreds Gather at India Gate as Wrestlers Hold Candlelight March in Support of Justice
Nevertheless, the wrestlers remain resolute in their fight for justice. Their top priority continues to be securing justice for their fellow wrestlers who have filed police complaints. Punia has placed the current protest above personal achievements and medals. Over the past month, they have confronted the IOA, government authorities, and the Sports Authority of India, even engaging in a late-night confrontation with the police.
As the candlelight march to India Gate demonstrated, the solidarity and determination of the wrestlers and their supporters remain unyielding. Their unwavering commitment to seeking justice serves as an inspiration to all, igniting hope for a future where such heinous acts are swiftly and effectively addressed. It is a testament to the power of collective action and the unrelenting pursuit of a just society.
The candlelight march to India Gate not only symbolized a powerful call for justice but also highlighted the perseverance and resilience of the wrestling community. Their unwavering commitment to their cause has garnered widespread support and admiration from people across the nation. The protest has become a symbol of unity, inspiring others to stand up against injustice and demand accountability.
However, as the protest entered its one-month mark, little progress was made in the legal proceedings against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Despite the filing of two First Information Reports (FIRs) against him, his arrest seemed elusive. The wrestlers remained steadfast in their resolve, vowing to continue their sit-in until justice is served. Their determination has been met with admiration and support from various sections of society.
While the protest has undoubtedly disrupted the wrestlers’ training and competition plans, they remain undeterred in their pursuit of justice. Their sacrifices extend beyond personal ambitions and medals, as they fight for the rights and dignity of their fellow athletes. The solidarity displayed by the wrestling community serves as a powerful example of standing up against wrongdoing and seeking accountability.
Throughout the past month, the wrestlers have faced challenges and hurdles, clashing with sports authorities, government bodies, and even the police. Their dedication to their cause, however, has not wavered. They have actively engaged with student organizations, seeking support and spreading awareness about the issue of sexual harassment in sports. Their efforts to connect with the youth reflect their commitment to shaping a better future for generations to come.
Looking ahead, the wrestlers have announced their participation in the Mahila Mahapanchayat, scheduled to coincide with the inauguration of the new parliament building. This gathering aims to amplify the voices of women, with the support of youth groups and members of khaps, in demanding justice and change. It is an opportunity for the wrestlers to further mobilize public opinion and exert pressure on authorities to take decisive action.
As the candlelight march to India Gate came to a close, the resounding impact of the wrestlers’ protest reverberated throughout the nation. The sight of hundreds of individuals standing together in solidarity, demanding justice and accountability, sent a powerful message to the authorities and society at large. The wrestlers and their supporters have become beacons of hope, inspiring countless others to raise their voices against injustice.
The wrestling community’s fight for justice has not been without its challenges. They have faced obstacles, clashed with authorities, and experienced disruptions in their training and competition schedules. However, their unwavering dedication to their cause and the collective spirit of the movement continue to propel them forward.
The upcoming Mahila Mahapanchayat, scheduled on the day of the inauguration of the new parliament building, promises to be a pivotal moment in the wrestlers’ campaign for justice. The participation of women, supported by youth groups and members of khaps, will further amplify their demands and mobilize public opinion. It is a demonstration of the collective power of voices coming together to effect meaningful change.