3 Women Journalists Allege Sexual Harassment During Jantar Mantar Protest, Crime Branch To Probe
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Three women journalists have alleged sexual harassment by Delhi Police personnel during a protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, prompting the Delhi Police to transfer their complaints to the Crime Branch for a “fair and impartial” enquiry.
One of the journalists alleged that an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) sexually assaulted her while she was recording police action during protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Journalist Alleges Misconduct By ACP
The journalist alleged that the police officer touched her inappropriately and pushed her away while she was trying to record the police action.
She also claimed that she and others went to a police station to file a complaint, but alleged that it was not registered immediately.
The Delhi Police said it had received the complaints and transferred them to the Crime Branch for an “impartial” enquiry.
Press Council Of India Expresses Concern
The Press Council of India expressed “shock and dismay” over the alleged treatment of journalists by the police.
It said journalists must be allowed to work freely and document protests without fear, adding that such behaviour should not be normalised in a democracy.
The council also called on the Delhi Police to act on the female journalist’s complaint and ensure that media personnel are given adequate space to carry out their work without facing aggression or threats.
Rahul Gandhi Demands Answers From Amit Shah
Earlier on Saturday, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi demanded answers from Union Home Minister Amit Shah over allegations of misconduct with women by Delhi Police personnel during the protest.
In a post on X, Gandhi said Delhi Police comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs and questioned why an FIR had not been registered despite journalists allegedly waiting for hours.
He also alleged that hundreds of people were taken into custody at Jantar Mantar, while women protesters faced allegations of misconduct and journalists had their cameras snatched and were dragged by police personnel.
Gandhi further alleged that similar incidents involving women and police personnel had occurred previously, and asked the Union Home Minister to respond to the allegations.
