Following allegations of sexual harassment made by three female journalists against Delhi Police officers during protests against the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) near Jantar Mantar, the Crime Branch has been assigned to investigate the incidents, as reported by officials on Saturday.
As per a statement from the Delhi Police, “On October 3, during the protests in New Delhi, claims of sexual harassment were raised by three female journalists against police personnel amid a law-and-order situation. The New Delhi District has received their complaints, which have now been forwarded to the Crime Branch for a thorough and unbiased investigation.”
Sources indicate that the three journalists, who are freelancers operating news portals, attended the protest organized by AISA and various opposition figures and activists. This demonstration was a continuation of the earlier protests that took place on October 2, which had resulted in several detentions.
On October 3, more than 150 individuals were detained, including AISA president Neha Bora, activist Yogendra Yadav, and prominent lawyer Prashant Bhushan, for allegedly attempting to return to Jantar Mantar after being previously held while demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
One journalist, whose complaint has been reviewed by The Indian Express, described witnessing the detention of Neha Bora and other female protesters while covering the event. She noted the absence of female officers during the detentions conducted by male officers. “When I pointed this out, a police officer pushed against my chest and shoved me,” she alleged. The complaint also states that the officer fled when she confronted him.
Another complaint came from a video journalist who was documenting the protest on Ashoka Road around 3 PM. She reported, “I was recording the detainment of Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan when I felt someone pressing against my back. I shifted to the side, but continued to feel it against my thighs. Upon turning, I noticed a policeman standing very close to me.” She further claimed that when she addressed the inappropriate behavior, the officer dismissed her concerns.
On Saturday evening, a group of freelance journalists and representatives from various news portals gathered outside the Parliament Street police station to demand accountability for the officers involved. The female journalists submitted formal complaints at the police station before departing.
In support of their demands, which include the resignation of the CEC and the filing of an FIR regarding the alleged assaults on female journalists, AISA and other activists have planned an additional protest for Sunday.
In response, Delhi Police have set up barricades throughout the area, including access routes to Jantar Mantar and Parliament Street.
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