Wrestlers’ protest: Hyderabad activists launch rally, seek Brij Bhushan’s arrest

Hyderabad: A group of social activists, operating under the banner of ‘Activists Network of Hyderabad,’ staged a flash protest near Charminar on Saturday to condemn the alleged attack on protesting wrestlers at Jantar Mantar by the Delhi police. The activists carried placards supporting the wrestlers and voiced their concerns over the continuous harassment of female wrestlers.

At the protest, Jasveen Jairath, a member of the Activists Network of Hyderabad, said, “As a proud nation, it is concerning to see female wrestlers, who have brought home medals, face harassment from not only the government but also from Brij Bhushan, the wrestling association’s president, who is accused under the POSCO Act yet remains free.”

Jasveen demanded an explanation from the Prime Minister on the non-arrest of Brij Bhushan despite an FIR filed under the POCSO Act.

She added, “We must show solidarity and support for these wrestlers in their fight for justice and uphold the tradition of respecting women in our culture. I urge citizens to join the movement by showing your support on social media and taking action against those who disrespect women.”

Varghese Theckanath, the director of Montfort Social Institute and a human rights defender, expressed his support for the wrestlers protesting at Jantar Mantar and said, “The wrestlers who have brought glory to our nation by winning gold and silver medals are currently sitting at Jantar Mantar seeking justice. We stand in solidarity with them. On behalf of the Telangana State Domestic Workers’ Exploitation Association and the Hyderabad Slum People Federation, we express our support for our athletes. We urge the authorities to take swift action to bring the accused to justice and ensure they are immediately arrested.”

The Activists Network of Hyderabad demanded immediate action against police officers responsible for scuffling with the protesting wrestlers and accused the police and the Union Home Ministry of protecting the main accused in the case. They also demanded the imprisonment of Brij Bhushan and criticised the delay in taking action against him. The group expressed disappointment with the government’s failure to remove Brij Bhushan from his position as president of WFI, alleging complete disregard for the law and an attempt to protect the accused.