Treatment Of Indian Wrestlers Was "Very Disturbing": International Olympic Committee

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has condemned the manner in which the protesting Indian wrestlers were being treated by Delhi Police over the weekend, terming it "very disturbing" in a strongly-worded statement. The IOC's reaction follows the United World Wrestling's (UWW) criticism of the detention of the grapplers during their protest at Jantar Mantar, in which the sport's world body threatened to suspend the national federation if it fails to hold its election within the stipulated time.

The top wrestlers -- Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sangeeta Phogat -- have accused the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) outgoing president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual exploitation.

"The treatment of the Indian wrestling athletes over the weekend was very disturbing. The IOC insists that the allegations by the wrestlers are followed up on by an unbiased, criminal investigation in line with local law," the IOC said in the statement.

"We understand that a first step towards such a criminal investigation has been made, but more steps have to follow before concrete actions become visible. We urge that the safety and wellbeing of these athletes is duly considered throughout this process and that this investigation will be speedily concluded." Unprecedented scenes of police dragging Olympic and World Championships medallists, including Sakshi, Vinesh, Bajrang and Sangeeta, were witnessed when the wrestlers and their supporters breached the security cordon during their march towards the new Parliament building for the planned women's 'Mahapanchayat' on Sunday.

The wrestlers are demanding the arrest of Brij Bhushan for allegedly sexually harassing several women wrestlers, including a minor.

The IOC