After the Supreme Court today closed the proceedings on a plea that sought an FIR against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh, protesting wrestlers today said their stir would continue at Jantar Mantar until the WFI chief was arrested.
“We respect Supreme Court order, protest will continue. SC order not a setback, top court did what it could in the matter. We have all options open, and will decide a future course of action after consulting seniors; protesting wrestlers,” the protesters said.
A heavy police presence continues at the roads leading to the protest site, which could be in anticipation that supporters may try to reach the spot after Bajrang Punia's call last night to the farmers and general public to reach Jantar Mantar. Wrestler Geeta Phogat and her husband Pawan Kumar were reportedly taken into preventive custody by Delhi Police while on their way to join the protest.
The protesting wrestlers also claimed that Delhi Police have taken away their generator set and the mattresses they had kept for drying. A scuffle had broken out between the protesters and police last night which left two wrestlers injured and taken to the hospital, while Delhi Police stated that five police personnel were hurt as well.
The apex court today noted that FIRs have been registered and seven complainants have been provided adequate security.
A bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud refused to entertain an oral plea by the counsel representing the wrestlers that the ongoing probe be monitored by a retired or a serving high court judge.
"You came here with specific prayers for registration of FIR and security for the complainants. Now both of your prayers have been addressed. If you have any further grievances, you can very well approach the high court or the jurisdictional magistrate," the bench, also comprising Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala, said, adding that it is closing the proceedings for now.
At the outset, the bench was informed by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was representing the Delhi Police, that as per the top court's April 28 order, assessment of threat perception to the complainants was carried out by the police.
He told the bench that adequate security arrangements have been made for the minor complainant as well as the six other women wrestlers.
Several wrestlers who have won awards at international competitions have been protesting at Jantar Mantar against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The Delhi Police have filed two FIRs against Bhushan Sharan Singh on allegations of sexual harassment levelled against the BJP MP by seven women wrestlers.