Madurai joins nationwide stir in solidarity with women wrestlers

MADURAI: The All-India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) and other leftist students, youth, farmer associations, and the CITU, among others, held a demonstration in Madurai in solidarity with the ongoing protest by women wrestlers at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The wrestlers have been protesting since January this year after alleging sexual harassment by Wrestlers Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh from Uttar Pradesh.
In Madurai, the protesters gathered near Thirunagar’s 2nd bus stop on Saturday and demanded the immediate arrest of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. “We are protesting in support of the women wrestlers who are fighting for justice in New Delhi. It is highly condemnable for women sportspersons in the country to be treated in this way,” said Vijaya, district committee treasurer, AIDWA.
The protest, which was part of a nationwide demonstration, was held from 10 am to 12 pm. The protesters urged the authorities to take strict action against the accused and ensure a safe environment for women in sports.
Seven women wrestlers, including a minor, reportedly filed a sexual harassment complaint against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh with the Delhi Police, but no FIR was registered. It was only after the wrestlers approached the Supreme Court that the Delhi police registered two FIRs against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The protest in New Delhi continues as the wrestlers demand the arrest of the WFI president.