The Delhi Police on Monday dismissed claims that female protesters were physically assaulted during a demonstration at Jantar Mantar as “baseless and misleading,” while simultaneously promoting an officer facing sexual harassment allegations in connection with the event.
The controversy stems from an October 3 demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, during which three women journalists alleged they were sexually harassed and assaulted by police personnel on duty.
Addressing the claims on X (formerly Twitter), the New Delhi DCP stated that female protesters were handled strictly by female staff with “dignity and due regard,” adding that detentions and releases adhered fully to legal procedures.
Despite the Delhi Police transferring the sexual harassment complaints to the Crime Branch for a “fair and impartial enquiry,” Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vivek Bhagat—who was explicitly named by one of the journalists—was promoted to Additional DCP on Monday.
Senior police officials defended the move, stating the promotion was part of a routine administrative order involving 11 other officers that had been processed well in advance.
The promotion triggered swift condemnation from legal experts and activists:
- Journalist’s Account: One reporter alleged that after questioning Bhagat regarding the absence of female officers during protester detentions, he physically pushed and sexually assaulted her.
- Public Outrage: Human rights lawyer Vrinda Grover termed the promotion as “impunity promoted by the State,” asserting that such administrative decisions risk intimidating women from participating in public spaces.
Amid the ongoing fallout, the Delhi Police issued a mandatory advisory for media personnel covering public demonstrations and civil unrest.
Under the new directives, journalists must:
- Display Accreditation: Visibly wear valid identity cards issued by their respective news organizations, the Press Information Bureau (PIB), or Delhi Information and Publicity (DIP) at all times.
- Maintain Safe Distances: Maintain a reasonable and safe distance during high-tension situations to ensure media activities do not obstruct law enforcement operations.
The Crime Branch investigation into the allegations against Bhagat and other involved police personnel remains ongoing.