Delhi Police Officer Accused of Sexual Assault on Journalist During Protest Coverage

A disturbing incident unfolded at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Saturday, where a journalist has accused a senior police officer of sexual assault while she was reporting on ongoing protests. The protests were organized to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, and tensions were high as student leaders and activists gathered to voice their concerns.

According to the journalist’s allegations, she was confronted by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vivek Bhagat, who allegedly groped her while she was filming the detention of student leader Neha Bora. This incident was captured in a video shared by Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, which has taken a proactive stance in supporting the journalist’s claims.

After the alleged assault, the journalist sought to file a formal complaint at the Parliament Street police station. However, she reported that her complaint went unaddressed, prompting a group of journalists and protesters to assemble outside the station, demanding that the police register a first information report (FIR) against ACP Bhagat. This outcry highlights the ongoing issues of accountability and safety that journalists often face while performing their duties in high-pressure situations.

In response to the allegations, the Delhi Police announced on Sunday that they had received complaints from three journalists regarding incidents of sexual harassment in connection with the protests. The complaints have been referred to the Crime Branch at Kamla Market for what they termed a “fair and impartial inquiry.” However, it remains unclear whether the investigations specifically concern the allegations against Bhagat or other separate complaints.

The situation has garnered significant media attention, with various representatives from the Cockroach Janta Party, including leader Saurav Das, indicating plans for further protests at the police station. This incident raises critical questions about the treatment of journalists in India and the systemic issues within law enforcement agencies that must be addressed to ensure a safe working environment for those covering sensitive topics.

Source: scroll.in