Tight security at Delhi borders ahead of a demonstration for wrestlers

After a call for nationwide demonstrations given by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) in support of wrestlers protesting against Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Delhi’s border points saw a tightened security on Thursday.

To prevent any untoward incident, extra pickets have been set up at the borders and security personnel are keeping a close eye on the area, according to Delhi Police authorities.

“Security has been tightened, extra police personnel have been deployed and we have also set up extra pickets at Delhi’s borders. We want to ensure that law and order is maintained and no untoward incident takes place. This has been done as a precautionary measure,” a senior police officer said.

He added that the vehicles entering Delhi from neighbouring states are being checked at the border points.

The farmers body called for nationwide demonstrations on June 1 in support of wrestlers who have been calling for Singh’s arrest for allegedly sexually harassing female grapplers, including a minor.

The SKM had stated in a statement that it had called for protests in order to secure the Indian wrestlers’ and all other groups’ democratic right to demonstrate as well as to demand Singh, a BJP MP, be arrested.

It promised to coordinate rallies with platforms for labour unions, women, young people, students, and all other groups, including intellectuals.

The wrestlers, who had been protesting at Jantar Mantar since April 23 seeking the arrest of Singh, were removed from the site by the Delhi Police on Sunday after they tried to march to the new Parliament building that was inaugurated the same day.

They were detained and later let off.

(With inputs from PTI)