A ‘khap mahapanchayat’ in Kurukshetra, Haryana demanded the arrest of outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on allegations of sexually harassing female wrestlers including a minor. They also gave the government time till 9 June to act on its demand.

The meet was held to discuss the next steps to be taken in the agitation related to the wrestlers’ protest.

Speaking to the news agency PTI, farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said, “A big message from Haryana (to the government) should be conveyed from here (Khap Panchayat in Kurukshetra). Let them have 7-10 days time (to take action). They canceled the June 5 meeting (Brij Bhushan's ‘maha rally’ in Ayodhya) after coming under pressure from the Khap Panchayat.”

 "If we aren't allowed to sit at the Jantar Mantar on June 9, then there will be an announcement of andolan (stir)." Tikait further warned, “The central government has time till June 9. We will not compromise on anything less than the arrest of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. If this does not happen, we will go to Jantar Mantar on June 9 and hold panchayats across the nation.”

The announcement by Khap leaders came days after the protesting wrestlers were allegedly manhandled by police personnel when they attempted to march towards the new Parliament building after its inauguration on Sunday.

Representatives of various khaps and farmers’ outfits reached the Jat Dharamshala from different places, including Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

Meanwhile, a rally, that was to be held by Brij Bhushan Singh on June 5 has been postponed. Singh’s Jan Chetna Maha Rally to be held in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya on June 5 has been postponed.

According to sources, the central BJP leadership instructed Brij Bhushan to avoid unnecessary statements pertaining to wrestlers' allegations and prohibited him to hold the proposed rally in Ayodhya on June 5. Brij Bhushan canceled the rally on the instructions of the high command, sources said.

Olympic and World Championship medal-winning wrestlers Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sangeeta Phogat are among those protesting against the outgoing WFI chief, who accused them on Thursday of changing their demands.

Image source: PTI