Full Breakdown
Delhi Police Refers Sexual-Harassment Complaints by Women Journalists to Crime Branch
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Allegations and Police Referral (October 3-4, 2026)
During a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 3, 2026, three women journalists covering the demonstration alleged that police personnel sexually harassed them. They said Assistant Commissioner of Police Vivek Bhagat inappropriately touched and pushed them while they recorded the detention of activists. The complaints were lodged at the Parliament Street police station and, on October 4, 2026, the New Delhi district police transferred them to the Crime Branch at Kamla Market for a “fair and impartial enquiry.”
Background & Context
The protest was part of a movement demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. On October 3, around 150–200 demonstrators, including AISA president Neha Bora and activist Yogendra Yadav, were detained as security forces tried to prevent further gatherings at Jantar Mantar.
Data & Statistics
- Journalists involved: 3 women (freelance reporters).
- Detentions on October 3: Approximately 150–200 protesters.
- Previous FIRs: Three FIRs were registered over the October 2 demonstrations.
Official Statements & Responses
Delhi Police posted on X that it had received the three complaints and transferred them to the Crime Branch, emphasizing that the enquiry would be “fair and impartial.” The Press Council of India expressed “shock and dismay” and urged immediate police action. The Press Club of India condemned the conduct as “unacceptable in a democracy” and demanded that journalists be allowed to work without fear.
Criticism & Opposition
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi demanded answers from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, arguing that the police had failed to register an FIR despite repeated journalist sit-ins. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and its co-convenor Saurav Das accused the police of shielding the officer and called for his arrest. AISA reiterated allegations that women protesters, journalists and lawyers were manhandled by male police personnel. Several media bodies and civil-society groups described the incident as part of a broader pattern of misconduct against women during protests.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Women across Delhi, students, are gripped by fear for their safety, staging satyagraha—but the very police responsible for protecting women are raising hands against them.” — Rahul Gandhi
- “On 03-10-26, during the protest in the New Delhi area, allegations of sexual harassment were made by three female journalists in the context of the emergent law and order situation. New Delhi District has received their complaints and the same are transferred to Crime Branch, Kamla Market for further action.” — Delhi Police
- “The police can very well register an FIR and then transfer it to the Crime Branch for investigation. But FIR is a must, as the allegations are of molestation,” — Ms. Singh
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The allegations have not been independently verified; no forensic or video evidence has been publicly released. While the police have transferred the complaints, they have not yet filed a formal FIR, a point contested by journalists and opposition leaders who cite the Supreme Court’s *Lalita Kumari* judgment requiring FIR registration for cognisable offences. Police say a preliminary inquiry is needed before formal charges.
What’s Next
The Crime Branch is expected to examine the complaints, record statements and review any available footage. Activist groups continue to demand both the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and accountability for the alleged police misconduct.