Centre Looking Into Hackling, Manhandling of PT Usha By Protesters While She Visited Protest Site To Meet Wrestlers

Several videos have been circulated on social media where she was seen being hackled by some protesters that raised concerns about her safety at the protest site.

Written by Alina Khan May 5, 2023

PT Usha manhandled by protesters

The Centre is looking into the alleged scuffle on Wednesday night at Jantar Mantar where IOA president PT Usha was allegedly heckled and manhandled by some of those gathered at the site in solidarity with the wrestlers.

PT Usha is being heckled & manhandled by protesters

However, the fiasco started much earlier with PT Usha being heckled and manhandled by the protestors. On Wednesday, PT Usha visited the protest site to meet the wrestlers. She was spotted conversing with the wrestlers, including Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia.

Bajrang Punia said that she is supporting the wrestlers and will seek justice on their behalf. She also added that she is an athlete first. She promised to look into the matter and resolve it immediately. She also affirmed that she was misinterpreted.

Several videos have been circulated on social media where she was seen being hackled by some protesters that raised concerns about her safety at the protest site. As soon as she was assaulted she had to escape with the help of the security personnel present at the site.

Criticism & questions raised against the protesters

Amidst she has been manhandled by the protesters who are urging India to support them in their fight, a widespread criticism of the manner has been evoked.

Can't believe IOA president legend athlete PT Usha is being humiliated like this. Protester wrestlers won't achieve anything out of this. Why media is not covering this?pic.twitter.com/N2n7SfM9hc

— The Hawk Eye (@thehawkeyex) May 3, 2023

Moreover, a serious question against the protester is now being raised after the ill-treatment happened with PT Usha who herself is an athlete.

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Delhi police detained Somnath Bharti and AAP supporters

Also, a scuffle broke out between the protesting wrestlers and Delhi police at Jantar Mantar on May 3 at around 11 PM after Aam Aadmi Party leaders, including Somnath Bharti and DCW chairperson Swati Mahiwal, visited the protest site with the police detaining Somnath Bharti and AAP supporters.

According to the Delhi Police, the entry of any outsider was banned post-evening. Also, the media reports that Somnath Bharti visited the protest site to provide them with folding cots in the late hours on the instructions of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Despite the clear guidelines, Bharti arrived at Jantar Mantar with folding cots. When the police stopped him, he argued and tried to cross the barricades. Police had to detain him as a precaution.

Official statements

Deputy Commissioner of Police Pranav Tayal told news agency ANI, Bharti came with folding beds with permission during the protests. When Delhi police intervened, his supporters became aggressive and tried to get the beds out of the truck. A minor altercation took place between the police and Bharti. The police detained him and his two supporters.

He said, “Somnath Bharti brought folding beds to the protest site in Jantar Mantar. Since there was no permission, we didn’t allow it, so some of the protesting wrestlers’ supporters tried to remove the beds from the truck, which led to an altercation. We have told the wrestlers to complain about their grievances and will take appropriate action. Medical check-up of the Policeman on whom they’ve raised allegations, being conducted.” The police added the situation was under control.