India
Delhi Police probe sexual harassment claims by journalists at Jantar Mantar protest
Three female journalists allege sexual harassment by Delhi police during Jantar Mantar protest. Complaints forwarded to crime branch for probe. Activists and politicians demand FIR registration.
At a glance
Why it matters
The incident highlights concerns about police conduct during protests and the safety of women journalists, raising questions about accountability and the protection of fundamental rights.
Key facts
- Three women journalists accused Delhi police officers of sexual harassment during a protest at Jantar Mantar.
- Complaints were transferred to the crime branch for an impartial investigation.
- At least 1,000 protesters were detained during the protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- Three FIRs were registered under section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
- Politicians and activists demanded FIR registration and criticized police behavior towards women.
What happens next
The crime branch's investigation into the sexual harassment allegations will determine the next steps, with results expected in the coming weeks.
Three women journalists have accused senior Delhi police officers of sexual harassment during a protest against the Election Commission (EC) at Jantar Mantar on October 3. The complaints have been transferred to the crime branch for a detailed probe, according to the city police.
The allegations, which involve inappropriate physical contact, were made by the journalists while covering the protest. The Delhi Police stated that the complaints were forwarded to the crime branch to ensure an impartial investigation, as several officers involved in the law and order duties were also present at the protest.
On Saturday evening, independent journalists and social media influencers staged a protest outside Parliament Street police station, demanding the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) against the officers. A senior police officer, who requested anonymity, explained that assigning officers from the same station or district to investigate the complaints would be unfair, given the nature of the allegations.
Politicians and activists, including Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, have criticized the alleged misconduct and demanded FIRs. Gandhi highlighted the broader issue of police behavior towards women, citing previous incidents of misconduct and the lack of accountability. He also questioned the government's response to the complaints, directing his comments to Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah.
At least 1,000 protesters were detained on Friday as they attempted to reach J, the protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process of the electoral rolls. Three FIRs have been registered at two police stations—Parliament Street and Connaught Place—based on daily diary entries made by police officials. The cases were registered under section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for disobedience to orders.
The incident has sparked debate about the conduct of police during public protests and the protection of women's rights. While the police have initiated a probe, the outcome remains uncertain. The crime branch's investigation will determine whether the allegations are substantiated and what actions, if any, will follow.