Woman journalist alleges sexual harassment by Delhi cop during Jantar Mantar protest
Delhi Police have received complaints from three women journalists alleging sexual harassment during a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 3, with the complaints being transferred to the Crime Branch for further investigation.
One of the complainants, who identified herself as a journalist and content creator, alleged that Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vivek Bhagat assaulted her, touched her inappropriately and pushed her while she was recording the detention of protesters during the demonstration.
The woman said she went to Parliament Street police station to lodge an FIR following the alleged incident but waited for several hours without a case being registered.
Delhi Police confirmed that a complaint had been received and said the matter would be examined. The complaints have since been transferred to the Crime Branch at Kamla Market for further action.
The allegations have not been independently established. Bhagat has not been publicly accused of wrongdoing by Delhi Police, and the force has not announced any FIR against him in connection with the allegations.
The incident came amid heightened tensions during protests near Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Hundreds of protesters were detained during the demonstration, while police also registered three FIRs in connection with the protests.
The alleged incident involving the journalist prompted journalists and content creators to gather outside Parliament Street police station, demanding registration of an FIR and action on the complaint.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also raised the allegation, questioning why an FIR had not been registered and holding the Union Home Ministry responsible for the functioning of Delhi Police.
CJP spokesperson Saurav Das separately demanded an FIR against ACP Bhagat and alleged that police were refusing to register a case. Police have said the complaints would be examined and have transferred them to the Crime Branch.
