Olympic wrestler Bajrang Punia warned to ‘quit Congress’ over WhatsApp death threat

Olympic wrestler Bajrang Punia reported receiving a death threat from an unknown person on Sunday, police said. The threat, sent via WhatsApp, demanded that Bajrang “quit the Congress”.

The threat was made just two days after Bajrang joined the Congress party and was appointed working president of the All India Kisan Congress. The message was sent from an international number and Bajrang subsequently filed a formal complaint with the authorities.

In his complaint, Bajrang alleged that the message warned him to “quit the Congress” or he and his family would face dire consequences. The message reportedly said, “This is our last message. We will show you our strength before the elections. You can file a complaint anywhere, but this is your first and last warning.”

Sonipat SP Ravindra Singh confirmed that the investigation is still underway and said, “An unknown person has made a threat.”

The threat came two days after Tokyo Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia and fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat joined the Congress for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. Vinesh was selected by the Congress as the party’s candidate for the Julana Assembly seat, while Bajrang was made the working president of the Congress’ farmers’ wing.

The wrestlers’ entry into politics on September 6 immediately drew criticism from former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of sexual harassment by several wrestlers, including Bajrang and Vinesh, ahead of the general elections.

During media interactions, Brij Bhushan claimed that anyone could defeat Vinesh and Bajrang in the Haryana Assembly elections. He also commented on Vinesh’s recent disqualification from the Paris Games, attributing it to divine punishment, saying, “God had punished her.”

Bajrang and Vinesh were both involved in the protests against Brij Bhushan last year, which eventually led to his trial on charges of sexual harassment. Singh denies the allegations and claims he was not present in Delhi on the day of the alleged incident.

(With input from agencies)