India female wrestlers allege sexual harassment by officials

By ALTAF QADRI
Associated Press

NEW DELHI (AP) — Top wrestlers in India have led a sit-in protest near the parliament building accusing the federation president and coaches of sexually and mentally harassing young wrestlers. Sakshee Malikkh, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have led about 100 protestors in demanding the immediate removal of Wrestling Foundation of India President Brij Bhushan Charan Singh and other officials pending an inquiry against them. Singh is a lawmaker representing the governing Bharatiya Janata Party and has rejected the accusations. He says he’s ready to face any probe. The sports ministry has asked the wrestling body to answer the accusation made by the wrestlers by Friday “otherwise, the ministry will proceed to initiate action against the federation.”