Delhi Police transfer investigation to Crime Branch following sexual assault allegations by journalists and protester

Delhi Police have transferred investigations to the Crime Branch after two women journalists and a female protester accused police officers of sexual assault during a demonstration at Jantar Mantar.

The protests occurred on Saturday against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. According to complaints submitted at the Parliament Street police station, the alleged incidents took place as police detained demonstrators, including All India Students’ Association (AISA) President Neha Bora.

One woman journalist alleged in her complaint that Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vivek Bhagat struck her on the chest and shoved her away while officers detained Bora. A second senior journalist stated that as she attempted to record footage of Yogendra यादव and Prashant Bhushan being detained, she felt someone intentionally touching her back and lower body from behind. Upon turning around, she reported finding a police officer standing in close proximity, adding that she possesses video evidence of the occurrence. A female protester similarly alleged that a male police officer subjected her to inappropriate and offensive physical behavior and struck her chest during the detentions.

When approached for comment regarding the allegations, ACP Vivek Bhagat did not respond.

Delhi Police stated on social media that complaints from the new Delhi district have been received and referred to the Crime Branch to ensure a fair investigation.

Complainants and supporting groups reported facing delays in registration. A journalist featured in a video shared by Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Dipke stated that despite waiting approximately three and a half hours at the Parliament Street police station, an FIR was not immediately registered. CJP Legal Affairs Head Ratna Singh questioned whether authorities were shielding the ACP, stating that police declined immediate FIR registration pending a preliminary inquiry and review of CCTV footage. CJP called for journalists and accountability advocates to gather outside the Parliament Street police station on Sunday morning. CJP co-convenor Sourabh Das asserted that supporters would push for the registration of an FIR against the implicated police personnel.

Activist Yogendra Yadav called for immediate legal action, stating on social media that an FIR must be filed immediately according to the law.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also criticized police conduct regarding the delayed registration of the FIR. Stating that hundreds of journalists and citizens had gathered to demand a basic police response, Gandhi questioned how women could rely on a police force entrusted with their protection when officers themselves are accused of misconduct.