Full Breakdown
Delhi Police Deploy Body-Worn Cameras Amid Protests and Harassment Allegations
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
In early October 2026 Delhi Police equipped frontline officers and Rapid Action Force personnel with body-worn cameras (BWCs) as protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar intensified. The move followed three women journalists alleging sexual harassment and manhandling by police during a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 2, 2026. A Public Interest Litigation was filed in the Delhi High Court seeking a statutory mandate for BWCs and a Standard Operating Procedure governing their use and storage.
Background & Context
The protests targeted the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, which opposition parties say has led to mass voter deletions. Demonstrations were held at Jantar Mantar and en route to the Election Commission’s headquarters. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita barred unauthorised gatherings, prompting large-scale police deployments, barricades and detentions of activists and opposition leaders.
Data & Statistics
- BWCs procurement: Tender for 1,500 cameras at an estimated cost of INR7.4 crore.
- Personnel deployment: Over 3,000 police and paramilitary personnel stationed across New Delhi districts during the October 6 protest.
- FIRs registered: Three FIRs invoked Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for alleged disobedience of police orders.
- Journalist advisory: Directive required journalists to display valid press credentials and keep a safe distance from police operations.
Official Statements & Responses
- Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma rejected social-media claims of assault on female protesters, calling the allegations “baseless and misleading” and saying women were handled by female staff with dignity.
- The Crime Branch confirmed receipt of the journalists’ complaints, completion of medical examinations and transfer of statements for a “fair and impartial enquiry.”
- The Delhi High Court has listed the PIL for hearing and will examine whether similar matters are pending.
Criticism & Opposition
- Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition, demanded that an FIR be registered for the journalist’s complaint and questioned Ministry of Home Affairs oversight.
- The Press Club of India expressed “shock and dismay” over the treatment of journalists and urged immediate action.
- Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party chief, said the hardships endured by female staff “should not be ignored.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Name-tag controversy: CPI MP P. Sandosh Kumar alleged police removed identification badges during crowd-control, citing Supreme Court directives. Police DCP Sharma said any missing tags resulted from damage during operations.
- Allegations of physical assault: Social-media posts claimed female protesters were assaulted; police dismissed these claims as unfounded, while journalists and activists continue to demand independent verification of video evidence.
What’s Next
- The Delhi High Court will hear the PIL seeking mandatory BWC use and a comprehensive SOP.
- The Supreme Court has agreed to list related pleas challenging Delhi Police’s refusal to permit peaceful assemblies, potentially affecting future protest regulations.
- Ongoing investigations by the Crime Branch will determine the outcome of the journalists’ harassment complaints.