Tuesday, October 6, 2026 - Three women journalists have accused Delhi Police personnel of sexual harassment while covering a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on October 3.
One journalist specifically accused Assistant Commissioner of Police Vivek Bhagat of inappropriately touching and pushing her while she was recording police action. Delhi Police has transferred the complaints to its Crime Branch for what it says will be a fair and impartial investigation.
The allegations have intensified scrutiny of the police response to demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
More than 150 people were detained during the protests, while journalists and activists have demanded that the alleged incidents be investigated through CCTV footage and other evidence.
The Press Council of India has also condemned the reported treatment of journalists and called for their right to work without fear or intimidation.
The controversy is escalating as demonstrations continue in Delhi, putting pressure on authorities to establish the facts quickly and transparently. The Delhi government has since accepted Bhagat's request not to take up a temporary additional charge while the allegations are investigated.
The case now carries wider implications for press freedom, police accountability and the safety of journalists covering public protests, making the Crime Branch investigation a closely watched test of institutional accountability.
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