Wrestler Protest: In Protesters vs Police, Vinesh Phogat Says Cops Were Drunk & Aggressive

Sufficient security measures have been implemented around Jantar Mantar in Delhi, following an alleged altercation between protesting wrestlers and a group of police officers at the protest location on Wednesday night. According to sources, heavy police force has been deployed at the site and the whole area has been barricaded.

In a tweet on Thursday, Delhi Police said that it respects the right to lawful demonstration. “No one has been stopped from meeting any protestors who are protesting at Jantar Mantar in a lawful manner.” The Twitter handle of Delhi Police tagged Swamit Maliwal in it.

Talking about Wednesday night’s scuffle, Vinesh Phogat said there were no women constables. “There were only male constables and they were aggressive. Some of them even pushed wrestlers,” said the athlete.

She also said that one of the cops also threatened bajrang punia of consequences, adding that some wrestlers were injured during the scuffle.

Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal has again come to visit the protesting wrestlers. Maliwal claimed she was “arrested” by cops on Wednesday night when she had come to assist the women athletes in Jantar Mantar.

The wrestlers protesting here at Jantar Mantar have written to Union Home Ministry seeking an strict action against officials responsible for the alleged manhandling of grapplers at the protest site on Wednesday night.

In the letter, they also sought permission to bring waterproof tents, beds, gym instruments, wrestling mats and sound system at the protest.