Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia refute claims of 'withdrawal' from wrestlers protest
Earlier today, reports suggested that ace wrestler Sakhi Malik and Bajrang Punia had withdrawn from the ongoing protest against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh.
PremiumAce wrestlers Sakhee Malikkh and Bajrang Punia issued clarifications on Monday afternoon amid claims that they had taken a step back from the ongoing protest. The prominent athletes returned to their posts with the Indian Railways, sparking buzz that they had withdrawn from the agitation. The development came mere days after the athletes protesting against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh met with Home Minister Amit Shah.
The country's top wrestlers have been protesting for more than a month in the national capital, demanding an overhaul of the Wrestling Federation of India. They have also levelled allegations of sexual harassment against Singh. FIRs have been registered in the case and officials said that the Delhi Police is expected to soon file a chargesheet in the matter.
Singh has denied all the charges and said he will hang himself even if a single allegation is proved against him.
ALSO READ: ‘Law remains same for everyone’: Amit Shah told wrestlers in late-night meeting
Olympic medallist Malikkh has however countered claims that she was distancing herself from the agitation. The fight, she asserted today, would ‘continue till justice is served’.
Soon after the news broke, both Malikkh and fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia insisted that they were still part of the protest. They also countered claims that the women wrestlers were taking back the FIR.
“We met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, it was a normal conversation, we have only one demand and that is to arrest him (Brij Bhushan Singh). I have not stepped back from the protest, I have resumed my work as OSD in Railways. I want to clarify that we will keep protesting until we get justice. We will not step back. She (minor girl) has not taken back any FIR, all this is fake," she told news agency ANI.
Punia added that the news of their withdrawal from the movement was just a “rumour".
ALSO READ: Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia refute report of withdrawing from protest
(With inputs from agencies)
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