Anil Kumble Expresses 'Dismay' Over Manhandling Of Wrestlers

Legendary Indian cricketer Anil Kumble on Tuesday expressed his "dismay" over the manhandling of wrestlers who have been demanding the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Chief Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual harassment allegations.

The former Indian bowler said that any issue can be "resolved through proper dialogue." On his Twitter, he wrote, "Dismayed to hear about what transpired on the 28th of May with our wrestlers being manhandled. Anything can be resolved through proper dialogue. Hoping for a resolution at the earliest."

His comment comes at a time when political parties are exerting pressure on famous personalities from cricket to speak up on the ongoing wrestlers' protest.

Earlier in the day, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) national spokesperson Clyde Crasto asked cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar to support the wrestlers.

He tweeted, "Dear @sachin_rt, good to know that you are being appointed by BJP led Maharashtra government as "Smile Ambassador" for the State's 'Swachh Mukh Abhiyan' But do you know that @BJP4India, to support their MP #BrijBhushanSharanSingh, has "Snatched the Smile" of our wrestlers?"

The wrestlers are seeking justice but BJP is turning a blind eye to protect their MP, he alleged. "Just like you, the women wrestlers of our country are our pride too. As a sportsperson it is your duty to support your fraternity. Hope you speak up and be their "Smile Ambassador" too," the NCP leader said on Twitter.

Meanwhile, the country's top wrestlers have reached Haridwar to immerse their medals in the river Ganga as a mark of protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

"These medals are our lives, our souls. There would be no reason to live after throwing them in the Ganga today. So, we will stage a hunger strike until death at India Gate after that," read the joint statement by protesting grapplers in Hindi.

The second round of protests by the wrestlers started on April 23 as seven women players levelled sexual harassment allegations against him.

So far, two FIRs have been filed against the WFI chief. While the first FIR related to allegations by a minor wrestler and was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the second was related to outraging modesty.