Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 4: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has demanded an explanation from Union Home Minister Amit Shah over allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct involving Delhi Police personnel during protests at Jantar Mantar.
The protests were held against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with opposition parties and civil society groups demanding his resignation over allegations concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Delhi Police on Sunday confirmed that it had received complaints from three women journalists alleging sexual harassment by police personnel during the protest on October 3. The complaints received by the New Delhi district police have been transferred to the Crime Branch for a “fair and impartial enquiry”.
Gandhi, in a post on X, said a woman journalist had accused a police officer of misconduct at Jantar Mantar and questioned why an FIR had not been registered despite journalists demanding action. He said Delhi Police comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs and asked Shah to respond to the allegations.
Gandhi alleged that hundreds of people were taken into custody during Saturday's protest and that women protesters were also subjected to misconduct. He further alleged that cameras were snatched and journalists were dragged by police personnel.
“Delhi Police comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Amit Shah ji, where are you? You have to answer for this,” Gandhi said in his post.
The allegations have also been raised by the All India Students' Association (AISA), which claimed that women protesters, journalists and lawyers were manhandled by male police personnel. The organisation alleged that several women complained of being groped during the police action. These allegations have not been independently established and are now part of the inquiry.
The controversy intensified after allegations were made against ACP Vivek Bhagat by a woman journalist. The Cockroach Janata Party has demanded registration of an FIR and action against the officer. The allegations against Bhagat are also yet to be established.
The protests at Jantar Mantar are part of a wider campaign seeking Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over the SIR exercise. Delhi Police had earlier registered three FIRs in connection with attempts to gather at Jantar Mantar. Two FIRs were registered at Parliament Street police station and one at Connaught Place police station, with the cases involving alleged violation of prohibitory orders.
On Sunday, protests continued for a second day, with around 150 people reportedly detained as activists attempted to gather at Jantar Mantar.
The transfer of the three women's complaints to the Crime Branch is expected to lead to recording of statements and examination of evidence as part of the investigation.