Journalists Allege Police Harassment
Delhi Crime Branch investigates sexual harassment allegations made by three journalists against police.
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Key Points
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Rahul Gandhi accused Delhi Police of misconduct at Jantar Mantar and urged Home Minister Amit Shah to respond. He said hundreds of journalists had demanded that an FIR be registered and alleged that women and students feared for their safety.
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The October 2 demonstrations included a protest by All India Students’ Association members near Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Police detained several AISA members; those trying to breach barricades included AISA president Neha Bora and senior advocates Prashant Bhushan and Kapil Sibal.
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Delhi Police registered at least three FIRs connected to the October 2 mass protest: two at Parliament Street Police Station and one at Connaught Place Police Station.
Three women journalists accused Delhi police officers of sexual harassment during an October 3 protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. DTNext reported that the complaints have been transferred to the Crime Branch for an impartial investigation, with officials expected to record statements from the journalists and other witnesses.
One journalist described in a social media video how a police officer touched her inappropriately. Hindustan Times reported that she waited over three hours at Parliament Street police station trying to file a complaint against ACP Vivek Bhagat, but no FIR was registered at that time. The case comes amid broader criticism of police conduct during demonstrations in the area.
Students and Advocates Clashed With Police on October 2
The harassment allegations stem from protests against the Chief Election Commissioner held near Jantar Mantar. OneIndia reported that All India Students' Association members demonstrated against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Police detained several AISA members when some tried to breach barricades, including AISA president Neha Bora and senior advocates Prashant Bhushan and Kapil Sibal.
Delhi Police Filed Multiple Cases From October 2 Protests
The police response to the demonstrations was substantial. Republic World noted that Delhi Police registered at least three FIRs connected to the mass protest: two cases filed at Parliament Street Police Station and one at Connaught Place Police Station. These cases covered various charges related to the law and order situation during the demonstrations.
Opposition Leader Demands Action From Home Minister
Rahul Gandhi publicly criticized the police response. Indian Express reported that Gandhi accused Delhi Police of misconduct at Jantar Mantar and urged Home Minister Amit Shah to respond to the allegations. Gandhi said hundreds of journalists had demanded that an FIR be registered and alleged that women and students feared for their safety during and after the protests.
Crime Branch Will Lead Independent Investigation
The transfer to the Crime Branch signals an effort to ensure impartial handling of the case. DTNext reported that investigators are expected to conduct a thorough inquiry, recording statements from the three journalists, police officers, and other people present during the October 3 protest. The move follows pressure from political leaders and journalists' associations to investigate the allegations properly.
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