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Wrestlers Protest News Live: Wrestlers suspend protest till June 15 after meeting with Sports Minister Anurag Thakur

THE TIMES OF INDIA | Jun 07, 2023, 20:41:11 IST

Wrestlers Protest News Live: Wrestlers suspend protest till June 15 after meeting with Sports Minister Anurag Thakur

A marathon meeting between top wrestlers, led by Bajrang Punia, and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur at his residence on Wednesday finally came to an end with the government requesting them to withdraw their protest till police complete its investigation by June 15. The government continued its effort to reach out to the wrestlers who have been protesting since January this year against outgoing WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The meeting was called by Thakur to break the impasse. It is the second meeting between the government and protesting wrestlers, who met Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday night. The wrestlers have been protesting against Brij Bhushan, demanding his arrest for alleged sexual harassment of seven women grapplers.

20:41 (IST) Jun 07

Wrestling Federation of India elections by June 30, says Anurag Thakur

03:04

19:40 (IST) Jun 07

Chargesheet in FIR against outgoing WFI chief to be submitted by June 15, federation elections by June 30: Anurag Thakur

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Wednesday said a chargesheet in the case into the allegations of sexual harassment against outgoing WFI chief Brijbhushan Sharan Singh will be filed by June 15.

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18:47 (IST) Jun 07

Wrestlers agree to suspend protest till June 15 on government's request

The protesting wrestlers on Wednesday agreed to suspend their protest for a week after the government asked them to wait till police completes its probe into sexual harassment allegations against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh by June 15.

READ FULL STORY

18:29 (IST) Jun 07

An Internal complaint committee of the Wrestling Federation will be constituted, headed by a woman. All FIRs against wrestlers should be taken back. Wrestlers also requested that Brij Bhushan Singh who has completed 3 terms and his associates should not be re-elected. Wrestlers will not hold any protest before 15th June

Anurag Thakur

18:27 (IST) Jun 07

Chargesheet to be filed by June 15: Anurag Thakur on FIR against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

18:26 (IST) Jun 07

Meeting was positive, all decisions were taken unanimously: Anurag Thakur

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18:24 (IST) Jun 07

WFI will have an Internal Complaints Committee, headed by a woman: Anurag Thakur

18:18 (IST) Jun 07

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur addresses media after marathon meeting with protesting wrestlers

— ANI (@ANI)

18:14 (IST) Jun 07

If no action is taken by 15th June, we will continue our protest: Bajrang Puina

— ANI (@ANI)

18:07 (IST) Jun 07

We have suspended protest only till June 15, the movement is not over yet: Bajrag Punia

17:58 (IST) Jun 07

Bajrang Puina speaks to media after meeting Sports Minister Anurag Thakur

— ANI (@ANI)

17:51 (IST) Jun 07

We have been asked to suspend our protest till police completes its investigation by June 15: Sakshi Malik

17:44 (IST) Jun 07

Just In: Wrestlers' marathon meeting with Sports Minister Anurag Thakur ends

14:15 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: June 7

Wrestlers arrive at Anurag Thakur's residence for another meeting after an invitation by the Minister

14:15 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: May 30

Wrestlers go to Haridwar to immerse their medals in the Ganga.They agree to wait for 5 days when Rakesh Tikait intervenes and asks them to give him 5 days to resolve the issue.

14:15 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: May 28

Wrestlers plan to march and protest in front of New Parliament, despite the area being under Section 144. Delhi Police detained them.

14:15 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: May 23

Wrestlers hold a candlelight march. Khap leaders join the protest.

14:15 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: May 7

Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait joins the wrestlers at Jantar Mantar.

14:15 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: May 4

The Supreme Court closes proceedings on the plea filed by women wrestlers, saying - "If the petitioners decide to seek any further direction in the case, they will be at liberty to approach either the jurisdictional court or the High court."

14:14 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: April 29 - May 1:

Political leaders, including AAP Leader Arvind Kejriwal and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi head to Jantar Mantar to support wrestlers

14:14 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: April 27

The IOA formed a three-member ad-hoc committee to handle the day-to-day affairs of the WFI and conduct its elections within the next 45 days. The committee members are Suma Shirur, Bhupendra Singh Bajwa and a retired High Court judge. PT Usha also condemns the wrestler's protests, claiming it is not good for sport in India.

14:14 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: April 26

The protesting wrestlers stepped up their efforts against official inaction over their complaints by appealing directly to the Prime Minister and the minister in his cabinet in charge of women's affairs.

14:14 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: April 25

The Supreme Court agreed to hear a petition filed by wrestlers seeking registration of an FIR against Brij Bhushan over allegations of sexual harassment of women wrestlers. A bench headed by the Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said that the allegations raised by the wrestlers were serious and required the court's consideration. It directed that the case be listed, after notice was sent to relevant authorities. The case was mentioned by senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who said that no FIR has been lodged despite the sexual harassment allegations. He also said that the victims - whose names had been redacted from the judicial records - included a minor.

14:13 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: April 24

The Sports Ministry, in a letter to the IOA chief PT Usha, said the WFI's affairs will be handled by an ad-hoc committee appointed by the IOA.. The letter stated that elections that were scheduled for May 7 were declared void. Usha also said the IOA would hold an Executive Council meeting on April 27 to discuss the future course of action.

14:13 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: April 23

Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, his wife Sangeeta Phogat, Shakshi Malik returned to Jantar Mantar to continue their protest against the WFI and Brij Bhushan. The wrestlers accused Brij Bhushan of sexually harassing seven women wrestlers, including a minor, and said they submitted a complaint at Connaught Place Police Station two days ago but the police were yet to file an FIR. This time they were not joined by any other wrestlers in the protest. Addressing a press conference, Sakshi said - "We made a complaint at CP Police Station. It has been two days, but no FIR has been registered yet. Seven women complained, which also includes a minor. It makes for a POSCO case, but nothing has been done yet."

14:13 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: April 8

Talking to ESPN, Vinesh said she chose to skip the foreign tour because she felt it was important for her to be around to track any developments in their complaints against the WFI.

14:13 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: March 21

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme approved Bajrang and Vinesh's request for an International training camp. Bajrang was cleared to train in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan for 16 days, while Vinesh got the go-ahead to train at the Olympic Preparation Center in Spala, Poland for 11 days. However, even after all formalities were completed for the two trips, Vinesh and Bajrang refused to go for the training.

14:12 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: Feb 26

The Sports Ministry grants the Oversight Committee a two-week extension, while UWW, the global body of wrestling, takes away India's hosting rights of the 2023 Asian Wrestling Championships. The event was to be held in New Delhi from March 28 to April 2, but was moved to Astana in Kazakhstan.

14:12 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: Feb 24

Committee continues their questioning of the witnesses.

14:12 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: Feb 23

The oversight committee summons Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and other witnesses named by the wrestlers in their deposition.

14:12 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: Feb 20

While the Oversight Committee investigation was on and things were going as per their demands, India's top wrestlers, including Bajrang, Vinesh, Ravi and Sakshi chose to skip the year's second Ranking Series event - the Ibrahim-Moustafa tournament from February 23 to 26. This was the second event they opted out of in as many months.

14:12 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: Feb 9

The oversight committee hears the women wrestlers' complaints. The wrestlers later request for a second hearing which is done on February 20 by the OC.

14:11 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: January 22

The Oversight Committee was formed with Mary Kom as Chairperson, Yogeshwar Dutt, Trupti Murgunde, Commander Rajesh Rajgopalan and Radhica Sreeman (Both veteran sports administrators). However, wrestlers were not happy with the inclusion of Yogeshwar Dutt and wanted one member who would be from their side. Babita Phogat was added to the committee on the request of wrestlers. The profile of members of the Oversight Committee is as under: Ms. M.C. Mary Kom: 6 Times World Boxing Champion, Olympic medalist, Chairperson, IOA Athletes Commission, Major Dhyanchand and Khel Ratna Awardee - Chairperson. Mr. Yogeshwar Dutt, Olympic medalist, Major Dhyanchand and KhelRatna Awardee and Olympic Medalist - Member. Ms. Trupti Murgunde, Dhyan Chand Awardee and Member, Mission Olympic Cell - Member. Babita Phogat: World Wrestling Champion and multiple CWG medalist. Ms. RadhicaSreeman, Ex ED (TEAMS), SAI - Member. Cdr Rajesh Rajagopalan (Retd.) - Ex-CEO (TOPS) - Member. The wrestlers said they were assured they would be consulted before the five-member panel was formed.

14:10 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: January 21

The wrestlers call off their protests after receiving assurances from the Sports Ministry that their grievances would be addressed and that an Oversight Committee would be formed to conduct a thorough enquiry into the wrestlers'; allegations.

14:10 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: January 20

The Sports Minister waited in his residence to meet the wrestlers and after a long delay the wrestlers came in and in a press conference with the Minister said that they are happy with the outcome of the meeting and would cooperate with the Oversight Committee for further investigation and show proof of their allegations. The wrestlers demanded Brij Bhushan Sharan should be immediately removed as WFI President. The Sports Minister assured them that he would step aside from the daily running of WFI till the investigations were on. This was done immediately.

14:10 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: January 19

The wrestlers met with the Sports Ministry and were given assurances, but they were not satisfied. "They have just assured us [that they will take action]. We did not get any satisfactory response from their side. We are not happy with that. We want to shut down WFI and all of its state associations. We want a fresh start," said Sakshi. Wrestlers said they want to meet the PM and the Home Minister. Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur convinced them to have a dialogue with him first. Anurag Thakur drove down from Himachal Pradesh and met the wrestlers in a late-night meeting which lasted 4 hours. In the discussions, wrestlers asked for the formation of a neutral committee to investigate the matter. An oversight committee was thus formed.

14:10 (IST) Jun 07

Full timeline of wrestlers' protest: January 18

India's top-most wrestlers - Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik - took to New Delhi's Jantar Mantar to protest against the WFI and its chief. In a series of serious accusations, the wrestlers accused WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and unnamed coaches of sexual abuse of women athletes and issuing death threats. Brij Bhushan denied all the allegations. The Sports Ministry sought an explanation from WFI and directed it to furnish a reply within 72 hours.

12:40 (IST) Jun 07

UPDATE: The minister has told wrestlers that the government never stopped supporting them since Day 1 of their agitation when they first sat on protest on January 18 and agreed to most of their demands.

12:40 (IST) Jun 07

UPDATE: It's been learnt that the minister has reiterated the same demands as suggested by the home minister during his meeting with the wrestlers.

12:40 (IST) Jun 07

UPDATE: Vinesh has not been invited. She was also not part of the delegation, led by Bajrang and Sakshee, which met home minister Amit Shah last Saturday evening.

12:39 (IST) Jun 07

UPDATE: Vinesh Phogat is not present at the meeting.

12:07 (IST) Jun 07

Wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik meet Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur

A crucial meeting between top wrestlers led by Bajrang Punia and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur began at his residence on Wednesday morning as the government continued its effort to strike a deal with the protesting grapplers against outgoing WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The meeting was called upon by Thakur to break the impasse which has been going on for more than a month. It is the second round of meeting between the government and protesting wrestlers, who met Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday night. The wrestlers have been protesting against Brij Bhushan, demanding his arrest for alleged sexual harassment of seven women grapplers.

11:32 (IST) Jun 07

Wrestler Bajrang Punia arrives at the residence of Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur

— ANI (@ANI)

11:31 (IST) Jun 07

WATCH: Wrestler Sakshee Malikkh arrives at the residence of Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur

— ANI (@ANI)

11:29 (IST) Jun 07

UPDATE: Sakshi Malik too has reached Anurag Thakur's residence accompanied by her husband Satyawart Kadian.

11:29 (IST) Jun 07

UPDATE: There could be another round of meeting as well this week.

11:29 (IST) Jun 07

UPDATE: The proposal is being discussed during the meeting. It's been learnt that this is the first round of talks between the wrestlers and the government.

11:29 (IST) Jun 07

UPDATE: Wrestlers have been offered a proposal by the government to end their agitation.

11:26 (IST) Jun 07

Prompted by the Home Minister's call, Bajrang decided to meet Thakur. BKU leader Rakesh Tikait is also present at the meeting.

11:25 (IST) Jun 07

Last night, Home minister Amit Shah had a telephonic conversation with Bajrang last evening, following which Thakur tweeted inviting the wrestlers to come and hold talks with the government.

3 More Updates

Wrestlers Protest News Live: Wrestlers suspend protest till June 15 after meeting with Sports Minister Anurag Thakur

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Wrestlers Protest News Live: Wrestlers suspend protest till June 15 after meeting with Sports Minister Anurag Thakur

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