Wrestlers' Protest: Phone numbers are being tracked, alleges Bajrang Punia

Ace Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia, who is one of the faces of the protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has said that their phone numbers are being tracked.

While observing the 'black day', Punia told reporters, 'Nowadays our phone numbers are being tracked, we are being treated in a manner where it seems as if we have committed a crime. Whoever is in our contact is being tracked'

Calling it a "black day", the protesting grapplers and their supporters on Thursday wore black bands.

Top Indian grapplers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang, Sakshi Malik, and others wore black bands on their forehead while a few supporters sported them on their arms as a mark of protest against what they see as lack of action against Brij Bhushan.

The protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accused of sexual harassment and intimidation by the grapplers began on 23rd April.

The wrestlers have been demanding the arrest of Brij Bhushan, who they have accused of sexual exploitation of several women grapplers including a minor.

The Delhi Police has filed two FIRs, including one under section 10 of the POCSO act against the BJP MP, who has denied all the charges.

On the brighter side, Bajrang welcomed the move to hold the women's camp in Patiala.

"We welcome the shifting of the women's camp to Patiala. Wherever athletes have access to all the facilities set up camp there rather than having it in a place where they are being exploited and mistreated." Besides members of Mazdood Adhikar Sangathan, Sonipat and a small delegation of youth students from Bhagat Singh Youth Union, Maharashtra also came in support of the wrestlers on Thursday.

Bajrang continued, "See nothing is bigger than the judiciary. We have full faith in the court, our fight is for the truth. I don't think India has seen something like this in the past.

"We get strength when we see the support we are getting from all corners from of the country.

"This was the time to prepare for the Asian Games and Olympics, so it's very sad and unfortunate. It's a huge loss for sports that we have been protesting for the past 19 days."