Indian Wrestlers Protest: Bajrang Punia seeks support over sexual harassment allegations

Indian Wrestlers Protest: Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia has made an emotional appeal to the citizens of the country to support the ongoing protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The protest is against the sexual harassment allegations against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. 

Punia, along with fellow wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat, posted a video on Twitter requesting people's support, saying "We fought for the pride of our country. Today we are fighting for the safety and honour of your champions. Please support us!"

Since April 23, the wrestlers have been staging a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding Brij Bhushan's arrest and his removal from the WFI post. On Thursday, a large number of people, including farmers from neighbouring states and Delhi University students, reached Jantar Mantar and expressed their solidarity with the wrestlers. They raised slogans in support of the wrestlers and against sexual harassment, such as "Nari Shakti Zindabad," "Pahalwan Ekta Zindabad," and "Jo Humse Takrayega, Chur Chur Hojayega."

Several farmer groups from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab also participated in the protest, shouting slogans like "Jai Kisan Jai Jawan" and "Kisan Ekta Zindabad." They pledged not to leave the site until justice is delivered to the wrestlers. 

Balbir Singh, a farmer who came from Amritsar, said, "After what happened with our wrestlers on Wednesday night, we felt the need to come and extend our support to the daughters of this country who have won medals for India at international platforms. What happened yesterday was unfortunate. We have decided that until justice is delivered to them, we will not move from here."

On Wednesday night, a scuffle broke out between the wrestlers and some police personnel when the protesters were trying to get extra mattresses and wooden benches to the protest site for their night stay since rain had left old mattresses wet and soggy. Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik claimed that they were abused and pushed by male police officers, leaving them in tears. However, the Delhi Police has denied the allegations of using force against the protesting wrestlers.

The protest at Jantar Mantar has gained momentum and support from various sections of society. The wrestlers are fighting for justice against sexual harassment and misconduct, and Punia's emotional appeal is a call to action for citizens to stand in solidarity with the cause.