Three women journalists allege sexual misconduct by Delhi Police personnel during Jantar Mantar protest

Three women journalists have alleged sexual misconduct and manhandling by Delhi Police personnel while they were covering a protest at Jantar Mantar, prompting the New Delhi district police to transfer their complaints to the Crime Branch for a fair and impartial inquiry.

The allegations relate to the October 3 protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Prohibitory orders were in force in the New Delhi area at the time.

Delhi Police said on Sunday that the three journalists had made allegations of sexual harassment against police officers during the law-and-order operation and that their complaints had been forwarded to the Crime Branch.

DCP Neha Yadav said the protesters had been informed about the prohibitory orders and warned to leave the area. When they did not comply, they were detained.

“At around 6 pm, three women who identified themselves as journalists complained of manhandling by Delhi Police officers and staff during their detention. Their complaints were accepted, and they were medically examined,” Yadav said.

She added that the complaints had been transferred to the Crime Branch and appealed to anyone possessing video footage of the alleged incidents to share it with the investigating agency.

The allegations have triggered protests outside Parliament Street Police Station, with CPI(M), AAP leaders and other organisations demanding action.

CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat questioned why an FIR had not been registered, while AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj and MLA Kuldeep Kumar also raised questions over the handling of the complaints.

The Crime Branch is expected to record the statements of the complainants and other persons concerned as part of the inquiry.