Government asked us to not talk about meeting with Amit Shah, says Olympian wrestler Bajrang Punia

New Delhi: One of the leaders of the wrestler's protest, Olympian Bajrang Punia, said that the government has asked them to not talk about their late-night meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah.

According to sources, the wrestlers met with Amit Shah at 11 pm and the meeting lasted for over an hour. Sakshee Malikkh, Sangita Phogat, and Satyawart Kadian were also in the meeting. They demanded an impartial probe and quick action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Amit Shah said the law is the same for everyone and they should let the law take its own course.

He also clarified that no "setting" was done at the Saturday night meeting and the protest movement will continue. "Minister Amit Shah said an investigation was underway. We have been strategising on how to take the protest forward," he told NDTV. "The athletes aren't satisfied with the government's response, neither is the government agreeing to our demands," he added.

When the wrestlers asked why Brij Bhushan was not yet arrested and whether he was, in fact, being shielded, Amit Shah said they were discussing it and will definitely take action. "We had gone back in January based on the government's assurances, but were later declared liars," said Punia.

The protest leader also clarified that the wrestlers have taken leave from their jobs and haven't gone back to their jobs and it will not interrupt the protests. "We have put everything at stake, and are ready to quit our government jobs if it becomes an obstacle in our agitation. It's not a big deal. This is a fight for respect and dignity. We don't fear rumours, or losing the railways job. We'll quit the job if anyone pressures us."

He also addressed the rumours that the minor victim has withdrawn her complaint. He asked: "If the country should trust the girl's father, who has rubbished such allegations, or the so-called sources?"

He also took a shot at Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur who alleged that the protesting wrestlers have been changing goalposts by inviting political parties.

Punia said it is better if the sports minister kept quiet. "12 to 13 women had personally narrated their ordeal to him, and he assured them that he would get an FIR filed against the accused...He said the committee was formed with our consent, then why would we have immediately tweeted our objection? They didn't even consult us before announcing the committee."

He accused the government of misleading them by promising action in January.