Wrestlers Punia, Malik At Union Minister Anurag Thakur's Residence

Wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia have arrived at Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur's residence, after a late-night invite on Twitter.

The wrestlers have been demanding the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over charges of sexual harassment and intimidation.

In a late-night tweet, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said the government was "willing to have a discussion with the wrestlers on their issues". "I have once again invited the wrestlers for the same," he said.

Since April 23, the wrestlers have been agitating against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, demanding his arrest after several women wrestlers accused him of sexually harassing them.

On the other hand, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who have been leading the protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, have resumed their duties in the Railways. This led to speculations which claimed that they have virtually ended the protests.

However, Punia, in an interview with NDTV, clarified that they will continue to protest. "The protest movement hasn't died down, it will continue. We have been strategising on how to take it forward," the wrestler told the news channel. He added, "The athletes aren't satisfied with the government's response, and neither is the government agreeing to our demands."

The three wrestlers had reportedly had a meeting with Shah for over an hour. This development came days after they went to Haridwar to immerse their medals in the river Ganga but dropped their plans after farmer leader Naresh Tikait persuaded them not to do so.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police recorded statements of associates of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and those working at the WFI chief's residence in Uttar Pradesh's Gonda as part of investigations into sexual harassment allegations against him.

They also said the girl whose statement was the basis of a case being registered against Singh under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has recorded a fresh statement under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) section 164, PTI reported.

"A team of Delhi Police visited Gonda and recorded statements of Singh's associates and those working at his house, including his driver. This is being done as part of further investigation to collect evidence and corroborate versions of the witnesses with that of Singh and the complainants in the case," PTI quoted an official as saying.