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We are ready to undergo Narco test: Bajrang to Brij Bhushan

Last updated on: May 22, 2023 15:46 IST

Bajrang Punia

IMAGE: Wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat address a press conference at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI

Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia on Monday accepted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's challenge of undergoing narco-analysis test to ascertain the truthfulness of wrestlers' sexual harassment allegations against the WFI president.

The WFI chief in a Facebook post on Sunday said that he is ready to appear for a narco-analysis or polygraph test to prove his innocence.

 

"I am ready to undergo narco test, polygraph test or lie detector test, but my condition is that Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia should also undergo these tests with me. If both the wrestlers agree to undergo it, call a press conference and make announcement. I promise them that I am ready for the test," he posted in Hindi.

Responding to this, Bajrang said, "We are ready to face Narco Test but we would also want him (Brij Bhushan) to also face the Test under Supreme Court's supervision and with live streaming on national television."

"We would like to see what questions are being asked. He has asked for Narco Test of Vinesh and myself. I am saying why only two of us but also all those girls who have filed complaints should also undergo Narco Test," Bajrang, sitting alongside Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat at protest site in Jantar Mantar, said.

Vinesh on her part said that whole country should know what kind of injustice they have faced for years now.

"The whole country should know what kind of atrocities and injustice we faced."

Bajrang seemed peeved that a section of media is glorifying Brij Bhushan and urged them to not do so

"He is not a star but a sexual harassment accused so please treat him accordingly," Vinesh added.

The protesting wrestlers will take out another round of candlelight march from Jantar Mantar to India Gate.

"As you are aware our protest turns one month, on May 23, we would take out a candle march at India Gate."

"We must remind people that ours is a peaceful protest and anyone trying to disrupt peace with provocative speeches or any kind of trouble would be himself responsible for consequences and we don't take any responsibility," Sakshi said. 

Ready for narco test if Phogat and Punia take it too: Brij Bhushan Saran Singh

Brij Bhushan

IMAGE: Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said he is ready to undergo a narco test provided wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia take it too. Photograph: Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh/Facebook

BJP MP and WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment by a section of wrestlers, on Sunday said he is ready to undergo a narco test provided wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia take it too.

 

The president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) made the remark in a Facebook post.

"I am ready to undergo narco test, polygraph test or lie detector test, but my condition is that Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia should also undergo these tests with me. If both the wrestlers agree to undergo it, call a press conference and make announcement. I promise them that I am ready for the test," he posted in Hindi.

"I stand by my word even today and promise the countrymen to remain steadfast forever. Jai Shri Ram," Singh added.

Prominent wrestlers of the country, including Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, are currently protesting at Delhi's Jantar Mantar since April 23, accusing BJP MP from Kaiserganj seat of Uttar Pradesh and former president of sexual exploitation.

On the directions of the Supreme Court, Delhi Police is investigating the case after lodging an FIR against Singh. In the meantime, the Sports Ministry has cancelled all activities of the wrestling federation with immediate effect till the investigation into the allegations of the wrestlers is completed. 

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