INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
NEW DELHI: In a dramatic turn of events, the protesting wrestlers have reengaged with the government for a resolution of the standoff over
their demand for arresting former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, leading to a de-escalation in the
agitation, at least for now.According to sources close to them, agitating wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshee Mallikh, along with a group of
coaches and others, had a two-hour meeting with Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday evening
The office of the home minister refused to confirm the sudden meeting, which has provoked indignation from the khaps who had taken up the
cudgels for the agitating grapplers and appeared to be preparing for a prolonged confrontation
MP, for allegedly sexually harassing a minor wrestler
wrestlers, withdrawal of FIRs against the protesting wrestlers for breaking prohibitory orders on May 28, and restraining the family and
relatives of Brij Bhushan from contesting the forthcoming wrestling federation elections.Significantly, the deliberations took place in the
wake of Punia, Mallikh and the third member of the troika, Vinesh Phogat, resuming their duties as officials of rail ministry: something
that did not quite go with their confrontationist posture.03:43Wrestler Sakshi Malik resumes government duties after meeting Amit ShahBut
claimed Shah told them that the arrest would be made according to law and as per the legal procedure
wrestlers, agreed to the withdrawal of FIRs against the wrestlers and their supporters who were detained while trying to march towards the
new Parliament building on May 28
He also agreed that no family member or relative of Singh would contest the upcoming federation elections, and that a woman official would
However, Bajrang and Sakshee stuck to their demand for arrest of Singh as a precondition to end their more over month-long agitation
Why Vinesh Phogat skipped the meeting is not known.03:40Wrestlers Sakshee Malikkh, Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat rejoin govt duties, but
high-level talk which the protesting group had with the ruling dispensation
call off their protest.Meanwhile, after being show-caused by the Northern Railways on May 27, Bajrang, Vinesh and Sakshee resumed their
duties as Officers on Special Duty (OSDs)
It is learnt that Bajrang and Vinesh joined their stations on May 30, while Sakshee reported to the Northern Railways headquarters in Baroda
House on May 31.The development came a day after the trio decided not to immerse their international medals in the Ganga at Haridwar.On
None of us has backed down
Our life is at stake, a job is a very small thing in front of that
If the job is seen to be an obstacle in the way of justice, then we will not take even ten seconds to leave it
the protest seemed to be taking
lawyer Rebecca Mammen John to represent the complainants in their legal battle ahead.The wrestlers recently had a meeting with John, who
works primarily in the field of criminal defence
The wrestlers were earlier represented by lawyer Narendra Hooda, who confirmed to TOI on Monday that he was no longer representing the
wrestlers in the case.WatchWrestlers Sakshee Malikkh, Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat rejoin govt duties, but insist protest not withdrawn
