Centre invites wrestlers for discussion, protesters say decision after advice from supporters

New Delhi: Responding to Union Minister Anurag Thakur’s invitation to have a discussion on their issues in regard to the sexual harassment case against WFI chief Brij Bhusan, protesting wrestlers said that a discussion on it would be taken only after consulting with seniors and supporters.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur has invited the protesting wrestlers to discuss their issues.

"We will discuss the proposal given by the government with our seniors and supporters and only when everyone gives their consent that the proposal is fine, then will we agree", said Sakshi Malik to IANS, on Wednesday.

"We will be meeting the Sports Minister today. The timing is not fixed yet. But we will keep everything open. We won't take any decision behind closed doors.”

Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who have been at the forefront of the protest against WFI outgoing chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, have accepted Sports Minister Anurag Thakur's invitation to have a "discussion on their issues".

They have been invited by the government for the second time days after they met Home Minister Amit Shah.

In January, too, the wrestlers met Anurag Thakur at his residence and called off their protest after a committee was formed. At that time, former wrestler and BJP leader Babita Phogat played the mediator's role.

Earlier, on Tuesday, as a part of the ongoing probe into the sexual harassment case, the Delhi Police visited the residence of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in Uttar Pradesh's Gonda and recorded the statements of his associates and workers.

IANS input