Indian Wrestlers Protest LIVE News Updates: Amidst ongoing wrestlers' protest, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has formed a seven-member committee to probe the allegations of sexual harassment against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
This comes after wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, sakshi Malik, among others, filed an official complaint with IOA on Friday, as the protests entered its third consecutive day.
Speaking to The Quint, Punia stressed that no businessman or politician was involved in the protests. "They (the wrestling federation) are trying to politicise this," he added.
The biggest names in Indian wrestling came forward on Wednesday to make allegations of sexual harassment against federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Watch full presser here.
An official complaint has been sent to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) by the protesting wrestlers regarding the sexual harassment allegations against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Vinesh, Sakshi, Bajrang Punia continue to protest at Jantar Mantar for a third day, despite a late night meeting with Sports Minister on Thursday.
Bhushan, a BJP MP, who was expected to hold a press conference on Friday to 'expose political conspiracy', will now address the media on 22 January, his son confirmed.
'Will Address the Press on 22 January': WFI President's Son
Pratik Bhushan Singh, son of WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, on Friday evening said that his father will address the press on 22 January, regarding the allegations levelled against him.
"We're not formally authorized to speak anything on this issue. He (Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh) will address the media on 22 January on Annual General Meet of WFI. We've given our official statement to Sports Ministry," he said.
Wrestlers Arrive at Sports Minister's Residence
Protesting wrestlers have arrived at Sports Minister Anurag Thakur's residence to discuss the allegations levelled against WFI chief.
They also met the minister on Thursday.
‘Will Come Back Again if There Is No Resultion Today’: Vinesh
Vinesh Phogat, on of the protesting wrestlers, said that they placed their demand before Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday.
They will be meeting the minister again on Friday at 6 pm.
"If there's no resolution today, we'll be back tomorrow, and you might get to see a wrestling match because we will practice here (Jantar Mantar)," she said.
While addressing a question about why they have not filed an FIR yet, she said that "this is a sensitive issue. We are wrestlers of India and if we make all facts public, there will be a storm. This is not just a matter of wrestling, it's a matter of women's lives. The girls have families and there are lives involved. it's not that easy."
Meeting With Sports Minister at 6 pm
Amidst the ongoing protest, wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik are expected to meet Sports Minister Anurag Thakur at residence in Delhi on Friday.