Delhi borders on high alert as wrestlers’ protest intensifies

Amidst the ongoing wrestlers' protest, the DCPs of all districts in Delhi have been asked to be on high alert.

The alert has been sounded after the police received an input that more people are likely to join the protest which has been taking place at Jantar Jantar. Special care is to be taken care on roads which go towards Central Delhi, the alert said. Further barricades have been put up in many places as a precautionary measure. The alert further states that special focus must be on the border areas.

The protest site has been turned into a fortress after a scuffle broke out between the wrestlers and the Delhi police late Wednesday night. Multiple layers of barricades have been put up and no person is being allowed at the protest site.

This action also comes in the wake of the wrestlers calling on all citizens, particularly the farmers and their leaders, to assemble at the protest site following the late-night drama.

Some of India's top wrestlers including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik are at the protest site demanding action against Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, over charges of sexual harassment.

As the rains lashed the national capital, the wrestlers wanted to bring in folding cots to sleep. The cots were got in by Aam Aadmi Party MLA Somnath Bharti in a truck two fulfil their request.

Pranav Tayal, DCP, New Delhi said that a group of protesters led by Bharti had tried to break the barricades and the police had to stop them. In a video that is doing the rounds, the wrestlers can be heard saying that the policemen had attacked two of their own under the influence of alcohol. They also alleged that they were manhandled by the police personnel.