New Delhi(CNN) The girls wake simply after daybreak on the makeshift protest web site, their belongings stacked beneath mosquito nets as a row of mattresses line the pavement in New Delhi.

By 8 a.m., they start coaching — some run up and down the street, whereas others carry out drills close to their tents.

These girls are a few of India’s prime feminine wrestlers, they usually’re calling for extra motion to be taken in opposition to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), who they accuse of sexual harassment.

Singh is a robust lawmaker and politician from India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. He has beforehand made headlines for his controversial feedback and actions as WFI president, including slapping a young wrestler on stage.

He denies all claims of sexual harassment.

Last week, following protests and intervention by the nation’s Supreme Court, Delhi police registered two circumstances in opposition to Singh, together with the alleged sexual harassment of a minor. But the wrestlers say that is not sufficient — they need him dismissed by the WFI and say they’re going to camp at their protest web site till that occurs.

“We’re Olympians, gold medalists, world champions,” mentioned protest co-leader, two-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat. “There’s been a grave injustice. We’ve dedicated (our lives) to our country.”

In January, India’s sport ministry mentioned it might examine the sexual harassment allegations, however three months on, the wrestlers say the federal government hasn’t moved swiftly sufficient.

“We realized we have just one avenue left … to appeal to the public,” mentioned Phogat, a member of one in every of India’s most well-known wrestling households. “If we get public support, then at least we’ll know the country stands with us.”

Speaking to reporters Saturday, Singh accused the wrestlers of enjoying a “political game,” alleging opposition events have been behind the protests, with out offering proof for the declare.

“I am completely innocent and have full faith in the Supreme Court and Delhi police. I am ready for the investigation,” Singh mentioned.

CNN has reached out to Singh for remark however is but to obtain a response.

Accusations of apathy

The allegations in opposition to Singh first got here to mild in January, when a number of main wrestlers demanded an inquiry into claims of sexual harassment by youthful athletes in opposition to him.

In a letter addressed to the president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and shared on Twitter, 5 main wrestlers mentioned they needed to create a “safe and secure place” for younger wrestlers, particularly sportswomen.

The signatories included Phogat, who claimed within the letter that she was “mentally harassed and tortured” by Singh after she missed out on a medal on the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. The similar 12 months she took gold on the Asian Wrestling Championships, including to gold medals earned earlier at Asian and Commonwealth Games.

Soon after the letter was made public, Phogat and others took to the streets, demanding Singh’s dismissal. At the time, the WFI denied the allegations however mentioned an inquiry was underway.

India’s sports activities ministry mentioned it might look into the claims and Singh was requested to step apart for a number of weeks. The wrestlers stopped their protest in consequence, however three months on Singh hasn’t been stood down.

Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik informed CNN that again in January the wrestlers’ allegations have been met with apathy, including there was no transparency with the governing physique’s preliminary investigation.

“That is why we are back on the streets,” she mentioned. “We had to come back.”

India’s sports activities minister Anurag Thakur informed reporters throughout a information convention final week there can be an “impartial probe” into the allegations in opposition to Singh. He mentioned the wrestlers got a possibility to share their complaints with a committee in January, and burdened the federal government’s dedication to India’s athletes.

“(The) Modi government is always with the athletes,” Thakur mentioned. “Our priority is sports and sportspersons and we will never compromise on that.”

Some BJP ministers have publicly defended Singh, saying the wrestlers have offered no proof of their claims. He says he will not again down.

“Resigning (as WFI president) is not a problem for me. But I will not resign as a criminal,” Singh mentioned throughout his information convention on Saturday.

Support for wrestlers grows

By noon on Friday, the protest web site swells with supporters, younger and previous. A gaggle of native farmers be part of the ladies, sitting on the web site peacefully because the wrestlers give impassioned speeches.

Men additionally prove to indicate their help. Tanweer Bharti tells CNN India’s “daughters” are combating for his or her rights.

“They should be given justice and it is my prayer they get it,” Bharti mentioned.

Another supporter, Baljit Singh, says he traveled greater than 80 kilometers (50 miles) to affix the ladies. “What has happened to these girls is very wrong,” he mentioned. “We are here to show our support and give them strength. They should know they are not alone and that we are here with them and will stay here till they get justice.”

Komal Singh, from the northern state of Haryana, says her 13-year-old daughter is coaching to be a wrestler, and he or she desires her to see what it takes to succeed.

“I want her to be inspired by them,” Singh mentioned. “She should see what it takes to fight for yourself and know that the road ahead is not going to be easy.”

Online, as properly, help is constructing for the wrestlers and what they hope to realize.

Neeraj Chopra, who gained a gold medal in javelin for India on the Tokyo Olympics, said on Twitter it damage him to see the nation’s “athletes on the streets.”

“As a nation, we are responsible for safeguarding the integrity and dignity of every individual,” he wrote on Twitter, urging authorities to take care of the problem in an “impartial and transparent” method.

Indian tennis participant Sania Mirza mentioned: “As an athlete but more as a woman this is too difficult to watch.”

“They’ve brought laurels to our country and we have all celebrated them,” she wrote on Twitter. “If you have done that then it’s time to now stand with them in this difficult time too.”

Protesters put together for a protracted wait

Singh should still formally be WFI president, however the day-to-day management of the federation has been taken out of his fingers.

Last week, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) mentioned it had shaped a two-member committee to run WFI’s workplace till elections are held to nominate a brand new chief.

The “committee will be responsible to manage the affairs of the federation including selection and participation of sportspersons in international events,” the physique mentioned in an announcement.

In the meantime, the ladies proceed to sleep on mattresses, beneath mosquito nets in New Delhi’s oppressive warmth. The electrical energy cuts as evening falls, prompting the protesters to huddle collectively in darkness.

They could possibly be there for a very long time. India’s authorized system is notoriously sluggish, particularly in the case of allegations of sexual harassment owing to a big backlog of allegations.

Cases can take years to undergo courtroom, and plenty of alleged perpetrators stay out on bail — sending the message that the legislation cannot do something to cease them, in line with consultants.

Human rights lawyer Vrinda Grover says sexual harassment of ladies stays “one of the biggest hurdles” in India, including that girls are “obstructed from achieving their full potential in this country.”

She mentioned excessive profile circumstances of sexual harassment turn out to be difficult when the accused is “powerful” and a “man with authority.”

Phogat and the opposite wrestlers say they’re ready for a protracted wait.

“This has been a very difficult road … We will continue to sit here until that happens,” she mentioned.

“All of India is with us … It could be a long journey. But I have full hope we will get justice.”