Jantar Mantar Protest: Women Journalists Allege Sexual Harassment by Delhi Police, Crime Branch Probe Ordered
Three women journalists have alleged that they were sexually harassed and groped by Delhi Police personnel during a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Delhi Police said complaints from the journalists have been transferred to the Crime Branch for a “fair and impartial” investigation. Political and journalist organisations have demanded immediate action and registration of FIRs.
New Delhi: A controversy has erupted over alleged misconduct by Delhi Police personnel during a protest at Jantar Mantar, where three women journalists reportedly complained of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour. The complaints were made during demonstrations linked to demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
According to Delhi Police, complaints were received from three women journalists regarding alleged sexual harassment by police officers during the protest. The New Delhi district police subsequently transferred the complaints to the Crime Branch for a “fair and impartial enquiry.”
The allegations have triggered strong reactions from political leaders, journalists and civil society organisations. Journalists present at the protest reportedly staged a sit-in and demanded that FIRs be registered on the complaints.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also criticised the handling of the allegations and demanded an explanation from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, pointing out that the Delhi Police functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs. He questioned why an FIR had not been registered despite complaints from women journalists.
The protest at Jantar Mantar was organised amid Opposition allegations concerning the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Several Opposition groups have raised questions over the process and demanded accountability from the Election Commission.
CJP, AISA raise allegations
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and the All India Students’ Association (AISA) also alleged that women protesters, journalists and lawyers were manhandled during the demonstration.
CJP representatives alleged inappropriate behaviour by a police officer and demanded immediate action, including registration of an FIR and suspension if the allegations are established.
AISA similarly alleged that several women were manhandled and that some women protesters and journalists complained of being groped by male police personnel during the crowd-control operation.
Press Club seeks action
The Press Club of India expressed concern over the alleged treatment of journalists at Jantar Mantar and said journalists should be able to perform their professional duties without fear or intimidation.
The organisation urged authorities to properly investigate the complaints made by the women journalists and ensure that media personnel are provided adequate space and safety while covering protests.
The Delhi Police has now transferred the complaints to the Crime Branch. The investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the allegations and whether any police personnel were responsible for the alleged misconduct.
The case has also renewed questions about the handling of women during large-scale protests and the need for proper protocols when female journalists and protesters are involved in crowd-control situations.