Aman Verma, Panipat24 minutes ago
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Wrestlers’ strike against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), has ended on the fourth day. In this matter, the Sports Federation of India and the Indian Olympic Association have constituted two teams for investigation at their respective levels.
Wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt is the most important member of the 7-member inquiry committee constituted by the IOA (Indian Olympic Association). Because Yogeshwar is the only player from Haryana in this inquiry committee. The big thing is that all the players who have leveled allegations against the WFI President are also from Haryana.
Yogeshwar and all the star players making the allegations are wrestlers. That’s why Yogeshwar is the only member of the inquiry committee with wrestling knowledge. Keeping all these things in mind, it is believed that Yogeshwar is the most important part of this committee.
For answers to all the questions including how these serious allegations will be investigated, from when Dainik Bhaskar Exclusive conversation with Yogeshwar Dutt. He mainly said that the wrestlers should complain about this to the police and get an FIR registered. Along with this, if there has been sexual harassment from the sister-daughter, then the court should also punish her.
Excerpts from a conversation with Yogeshwar Dutt
Question: When will the committee start its investigation?
Yogeshwar: The investigation will start from today itself.
Question: From today only?
Yogeshwar: Yes, because yesterday the interaction of the players with the Union Sports Minister took a long time. Players will be contacted today. As soon as they express their convenience, the investigation will be started in the same way. Players will be asked whether they will interact online or offline.
Question: Is there any time limit for the test?
Yogeshwar: Although no time limit has been kept, but in a conversation with Chairman PT Usha on Friday, he had given the same instructions that this investigation has to be completed with complete facts in the least possible time. It doesn’t have to take a long time.
Question: Is the committee also taking 4 weeks time for investigation?
Yogeshwar: No, that is the time for the committee appointed by the Sports Minister. Our IOA committee is different. Mary Kom has been made the chairperson of our inquiry committee. We will hand over the probe report to them. He will submit this report to IOA President PT Usha. After this the report will be submitted to Sports Ministry and PMO.
Question: Has there been a meeting of the members after the formation of the committee?
Yogeshwar: There was an online meeting for 2 hours on Friday. All the office bearers of IOA were involved in this. In which it has been mainly said that the allegations of sexual harassment are very serious. The great thing is that the new body of IOA has been formed about two months back. Those who have got the very first case very serious for investigation.
Question: You have also been a sportsperson, do you think this kind of physical and mental harassment happens to sportspersons?
Yogeshwar: Be it any association, be it any player. Somewhere or the other the players have some problems or the other. Man is not happy even with God. However, allegations of sexual harassment are very serious. That’s why its investigation should be neutral.
As a wrestler, I will also tell these players that if you have come to the field, get an FIR registered. Because the work of investigation is done by the police, punishment and verdict is given by the court. If we make the same allegations again and again, then those things become lighter.
Question: So should these players have taken the help of the police?
Yogeshwar: Absolutely should be taken. Because in this way someone will blame anyone. After some time people start calling it a publicity stunt.
Question: How did you get the information that you are a member of the Inquiry Committee?
Yogeshwar: I am an executive member of IOA. Everyone said that you are a wrestling player, so you know and understand all these facts very closely. You may find out a few more things.
Question: From the debate between you and Vinesh Phogat on Friday, there are discussions that you are a member of the committee, lest the investigation be affected. Let there be a neutral investigation, how would you try?
Yogeshwar: I am already saying that a complaint should be given to the police in this. I am Bajrang Bali Hanuman, not that I should tear open my chest and show it. More than those players, I stand for them. Because it is not about the resignation of the Speaker. It is a matter of harassment with any sister-daughter, then action must be taken. Court should punish. Not only me, but the whole country wants this.