The inauguration of the new Indian Parliament today in Delhi interrupted, and probably put an end, to the sit-in of Indian wrestlers who since April 23 have been living outdoors in the center of Delhi to demand the indictment and arrest of Brij Bhushan Sharang Singh, the politician and former president of their federation, accused by the athletes of sexual harassment.
The three most prominent protagonists of the protest - the wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik and the male colleague Bajrang Punia - were stopped this morning and dragged away, according to various testimonies with violence, while trying to approach the Parliament, which Prime Minister Modi was inaugurating. After loading the athletes and their supporters onto some buses, the agents dismantled the sit-in station by removing the tents, mattresses and fans of the picket line.
The Commissioner of Police of the special "law and order" team Dependra Pathak told the press that Poghal, Malik and Punia have been detained for "breaking the law and that they will be charged in due course".
Ahead of Parliament's inauguration ceremony, security in the capital was strengthened with thousands of officers deployed, roads and metro stations closest to the institutional area blocked, and a tent set up to house any protesters and opponents in custody.