Delhi Police have transferred complaints filed by three women journalists alleging sexual harassment and manhandling by police personnel during a protest at Jantar Mantar to the Crime Branch for a fair and impartial investigation.
The allegations relate to a protest held on October 3 against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Police personnel had been deployed at the protest site to maintain law and order as several demonstrators were detained.
According to police, the New Delhi district received complaints from the three journalists following the alleged incidents. The complaints have now been transferred to the Crime Branch at Kamla Market, which is expected to record statements from the complainants and other people connected with the matter.
One of the journalists alleged that an Assistant Commissioner of Police, identified as Vivek Bhagat, sexually assaulted her after she questioned the absence of women police personnel during the detention of protesters. She also alleged that she was pushed back by the officer. The allegations have not yet been independently established.
The controversy has drawn strong reactions from opposition leaders and journalist organisations. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the allegations, pointing out that Delhi Police functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also expressed concern over allegations involving women journalists and protesters.
The Press Council of India has also expressed concern over the reported treatment of journalists and called for appropriate action on the complaints. Meanwhile, political groups and civil society organisations have continued to raise questions about police conduct during the demonstrations.
The Crime Branch investigation is now expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the allegations and determine whether any police personnel violated the law or official procedures. The findings could also influence the wider debate over the treatment of journalists and protesters during demonstrations in the national capital.
