Delhi cop accused of harassing journalist gets current duty charge as Additional DCP
Delhi Police ACP Vivek Bhagat, who has been accused of sexually harassing a woman journalist while she was covering an anti-CEC protest in the capital, has been given current duty charge as Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), even as a Crime Branch inquiry into the allegations is underway.
Bhagat, who was serving as ACP, Connaught Place, is among 12 DANIPS officers assigned current duty charge of Additional DCP posts, according to an order issued by the Delhi government's Home Department on Monday.
The arrangement is temporary and will remain in force until the Ministry of Home Affairs fills the posts on a regular basis.
The order came two days after three women who identified themselves as journalists alleged sexual harassment and manhandling by Delhi Police personnel while covering a protest near Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The complaints were subsequently transferred to the Delhi Police Crime Branch for a "fair and impartial" inquiry.
One of the complainants, an independent journalist, specifically accused Bhagat of sexually inappropriate conduct while she was recording the detention of a protester during the October 3 protest.
She later approached Parliament Street police station seeking registration of an FIR.
Police have said the complaints of all three women are being investigated by the Crime Branch, which is examining CCTV footage and other available material.
The complainants and their supporters have demanded registration of an FIR against the police personnel accused of misconduct. As of Monday morning, no FIR had been registered against Bhagat in connection with the sexual-harassment allegation, according to Newslaundry.
The allegations have also drawn criticism over the treatment of journalists covering protests. The Press Council of India has expressed concern over the reported incidents, while political leaders have called for accountability.
The Crime Branch inquiry remains underway.
Bhagat's assignment as Additional DCP is a temporary administrative arrangement and, by itself, does not establish either guilt or innocence in the allegations against him.
