Indian Wrestlers Pause Protest Amid WFI Chief Probe

story
Image copyright: Satdeep Gill [via Wikimedia Commons]

The Facts

  • Several prominent Indian wrestlers have postponed their protests against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), for his alleged sexual abuse of female wrestlers after India’s sports ministry promised to complete its investigation by June 15.

  • The wrestlers met with Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Wednesday for six hours to avoid a protest in which Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik and championship wrestler Vinesh Phoga would throw their medals in a river.

Show more

The Spin

Narrative A

As if the jarring allegations of Singh's sexual abuse weren’t devastating enough, the Indian government’s lack of a response is a glaring example of Modi’s corruption. The evidence against Singh is overwhelming, yet there hasn’t been a good-faith investigation, never mind an arrest. Maybe the bravery of these wrestlers has finally forced some government action.

Scroll.in

Narrative B

There are obvious reasons these accusations against Singh could be politically motivated, which is why the legal process must play out. Indian police are working diligently to investigate the situation and will release its report next week. Only then can a final judgment be made.

OpIndia