Three women journalists have alleged sexual harassment by Delhi Police personnel during the October 3 protest at Jantar Mantar. The Delhi Police has transferred their complaints to the Crime Branch for a fair and impartial inquiry.
The allegations emerged during a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The journalists were covering the police action and detention of protesters when they alleged that police personnel behaved inappropriately with them.
Complaints Sent to Crime Branch
Delhi Police said on Sunday that it had received complaints from three women journalists alleging sexual harassment by police officers during the October 3 protest.
The New Delhi district police transferred the complaints to the Crime Branch for what it described as a “fair and impartial enquiry”. The Crime Branch is expected to examine the allegations and record statements from the complainants and other people connected with the matter.
One journalist alleged that an assistant commissioner of police (ACP) sexually assaulted her while she was recording police action at the protest site. She alleged that the officer touched her inappropriately and pushed her away.
She also claimed that she and others approached a police station to file a complaint but that it was not registered immediately. These allegations are now subject to the Crime Branch inquiry.
Journalists Protest Outside Police Station
Following the allegations, journalists and activists gathered outside the Parliament Street police station, demanding action and registration of FIRs.
The controversy has also drawn attention from political leaders and journalist organisations, with calls for an investigation into the allegations against the police personnel involved.
Press Council Expresses Concern
The Press Council of India expressed “shock and dismay” over the allegations concerning the treatment of journalists covering the protest.
The council said journalists should be able to work without fear while documenting public demonstrations. It also called on Delhi Police to act on the complaint and ensure that media personnel can carry out their professional duties without facing aggression or threats.
Rahul Gandhi Seeks Answers From Amit Shah
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also reacted to the allegations and questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah, under whose ministry the Delhi Police operates.
Gandhi said a female journalist had accused a police officer of misconduct and questioned why an FIR had not been registered immediately. He also referred to the detention of hundreds of protesters during the Jantar Mantar demonstration.
Gandhi further alleged that women protesters and journalists faced misconduct during the police action. His comments represent his political response to the allegations.
Probe to Examine Allegations
The transfer of the complaints to the Crime Branch means the allegations will now be examined by an investigating unit separate from the officers involved in the protest-related law-and-order arrangements.
A senior police officer cited in reports said the transfer was intended to ensure an impartial inquiry because police personnel from the local station and New Delhi district were deployed for protest-related duties.
The allegations against the police officers have not been established as fact. The Crime Branch investigation is expected to examine the complaints, statements and other available evidence before determining what action, if any, is warranted.
5 Key Takeaways
- Three women journalists have alleged sexual harassment by Delhi Police personnel during the October 3 Jantar Mantar protest.
- Delhi Police has transferred the complaints to the Crime Branch for a fair and impartial inquiry.
- One journalist has specifically alleged inappropriate conduct by an ACP while she was covering police action.
- The Press Council of India expressed concern and called for journalists to be allowed to work without fear.
- Rahul Gandhi questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the allegations and the handling of the complaints.
