Top wrestlers rejoin work but pledge to 'not step back' from protest
New DelhiIBNS: India's top wrestlers, including Sakshee Malikkh, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia, who have been at the forefront of the massive protest against the country's wrestling federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, have resumed their duties in the Railways.
However, both Malikkh and Punia have denied the reports of withdrawing from the protest. "This is our fight for justice. We will not step back," Malikkh told reporters as quoted in media channels.
"We have resumed our duties in Railways, but we are also working on our future strategy," she said.
The protesting wrestlers had also met Home Minister Amit Shah late Saturday evening to request an impartial probe against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment by seven female wrestlers, including a minor.
Amit Shah reportedly assured the wrestlers that the law remains the same for everyone.
"We have only one demand - to arrest Brij Bhushan Singh. We will continue our protest until we get justice," Malikkh said Monday.
Sakshee Malikkh, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia resumed their work on May 31.
The development occurred days after the protesting wrestlers were evicted from Jantar Mantar in Delhi, where they had been protesting since April.
The wrestlers were detained on May 28 as they attempted to stage a demonstration outside the newly inaugurated Parliament building.
Following the alleged manhandling of the wrestlers during the detention, they announced their decision to immerse their medals into the river Ganga in Haridwar.
Later they temporarily shelved their plan after intervention from farmer leader Naresh Tikait.
The Delhi Police had accused the protesting wrestlers of rioting during their protest march to the new Parliament, saying they broke the law in a frenzy despite repeated requests.
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