The protesting wrestlers decided to toss their medals into the Ganga river in Haridwar on Tuesday at 6 pm, in response to the government's action. At India Gate in New Delhi, they will then participate in an ongoing hunger strike.
Olympic bronze winner Sakshi Malik announced the information on Twitter. She slammed the Prime Minister and the President for ignoring their complaints and turning a blind eye to their suffering. The wrestlers denounced President Murmu's behavior, saying that being a woman she did'nt take any action when Delhi Police detained them.
They also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inviting WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh to the occasion and emphasising the opening of the new Parliament. The wrestlers are against Wrestling Federation of India president and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual harassment allegations.
The Prime Minister, who refers to us as his daughters, didn't even show any interest in wrestlers. Instead, he welcomed Brij Bhushan, the oppressor, to the opening of the new Parliament building. He even posed for pictures wearing all white clothing. This radiance has marred us," the statement said.
Wrestlers Abhinav Bindra and Neeraj Chopra have received support from a number of members of the sports community and opposition parties.
As dramatic events played out at the Jantar Mantar protest site on Sunday, Delhi police detained Malik along with bronze medalist from the World Championships Vinesh Phogat and another Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia. They then filed FIRs against them for violating the law and order.
Before the wrestlers and their fans marched towards the new Parliament building for the anticipated women's 'Mahapanchayat', there were unprecedented scenes of police dragging Olympic and world championship medal winners.
A nasty brawl broke out when the wrestlers were stopped by police for trying to enter the new Parliament building without permission hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had officially opened it. The protesting wrestlers and their backers were transported to several locations in the capital before being freed.
The police officials cleaned the protest site after the wrestlers were forced into buses by taking away their cots, mattresses, coolers, fans, and tarpaulin ceiling as well as other personal items. The wrestlers won't be allowed back into the demonstration area, according to the Delhi Police.
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