New Delhi: Wrestler Sakshi Malik has claimed in a video statement that the minor wrestler withdrew her sexual harassment charges against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan of sexual harassment as her family was threatened.
Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik and other top wrestlers of India are demanding removal and action against the WFI chief alleging sexual harassment against seven wrestlers, including a minor.
Earlier, the Delhi Police recommended the cancellation of POCSO charges against him citing a lack of corroborative evidence.
In a video statement, Sakshi Malik said, The minor wrestlers changed her statement because her family was threatened.
The reason we did not open our mouths for so many days was due to lack of unity. We could not come together, Sakshi Malik said.
When Indias ace wrestlers opened their mouths against the harassment, you could see what they had to bear, she said, referring to the police action against the protesting wrestlers.
The Truth.#WrestlersProtest pic.twitter.com/eWHRpOSwD9
Sakshee Malikkh (@SakshiMalik) June 17, 2023
Maliks husband and wrestler Satyawart Kadian, also spoke in the video statement.
He said the wrestlers are not up against the government, but protesting the misdeeds of the WFI president.
Our first protest at Jantar Mantar in January had the support and permission of two BJP leaders, Tirath Rana and Babita Phogat. Therefore, it is not right to claim that our protest was orchestrated by the Congress, he said.
Wrestlers and coaches were aware of the inappropriate behaviour women wrestlers had to face for the last 10-12 years. Whenever anyone thought of taking a step, the WFI president would come to know of it, and they started facing problems in their career, he added.
A Delhi court will review the cancellation report in Brij Bhushans case will be on July 4.
Meanwhile, the wrestlers will take a decision on protest about the next steps after a meeting with Khap and other farmer leaders on June 18.
