FIR against wrestlers charges rioting, assault on public servants, damage to public property

New Delhi: A complaint by a head constable posted at Barakhamba Road police station led to the filing of an FIR against the protesting wrestlers, including Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Vinesh Phogat, who were among about 700 individuals arrested for allegedly marching towards the new Parliament, which was intercepted by the Delhi police.

The FIR against them states that despite strict directions given to the protesting wrestlers against taking any disruptive moves considering the inauguration of the new Parliament, which is to be given importance with no compromise to be made on this since it is a matter of pride and glory for the nation, the wrestlers tried to overcome the security barricades in their attempt to march towards the Parliament.

The situation quickly escalated, leading to clashes between the protesters and the police. Section 144 of the CrPc was imposed in the area, yet the protesters continued to defy police instructions, resulting in injuries to both sides. The FIR lodged against the wrestlers cited charges such as rioting, unlawful assembly, obstruction of public servants, disobedience to orders, assault on public servants, and damage to public property.

The FIR specifically mentioned the names of the injured police personnel and identified 12 individuals, including Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and others, as detainees and accused parties. It also revealed that a total of 109 persons were detained from the protest site.

The protest was organized in conjunction with a women's mahapanchayat, drawing attention to women's empowerment issues. The police, however, cited the inauguration and heightened security concerns as the reasons for halting the protesters at Jantar Mantar. Video footage showed the wrestlers being forcibly dragged and lifted off the road before being loaded into police vans.

According to the complaint, the wrestlers held a press conference announcing their intention to organize the event at the new Parliament House, to which senior officers informed them about the significance and security concerns surrounding the new building.

The clash between the wrestlers and the Delhi Police has raised concerns about the right to protest and freedom of expression. As investigations into the incident continue, authorities are grappling with the delicate balance between safeguarding democratic institutions and addressing the grievances of citizens. The wrestlers' detainment has sparked a heated debate on the appropriate boundaries of peaceful protest, leaving many to ponder the future implications for civil liberties in the country.