Delhi Police Refer Sexual Harassment Complaints Against ACP to Crime Branch
The Delhi Police have transferred complaints from three women journalists alleging sexual harassment by police personnel during a protest on October 3, 2026, to the Crime Branch for an impartial inquiry. The journalists were covering a demonstration near Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar when they alleged that they were shoved and sexually harassed by police officers, including an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Vivek Bhagat.
Under the Lalita Kumari judgment and BNSS provisions, allegations disclosing a cognizable offense of sexual harassment legally mandate prompt FIR registration before preliminary inquiry.
Journalists and legal advocates visited Parliament Street police station on October 4 demanding an immediate FIR, while police appealed for witnesses to provide video footage to the Crime Branch.
Investigation Status and Allegations
According to The Hindu, while the complaints have been moved to the Crime Branch, the Delhi Police confirmed that no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered as of October 4, 2026. A police official stated that no case had been filed because there was no evidence to substantiate the allegations at this stage. This delay in filing an FIR has drawn criticism from activists and legal representatives. Ratna Singh, head of legal affairs for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), argued that the police are obligated to register an FIR for allegations of molestation and then transfer the case to the Crime Branch for investigation, rather than bypassing the registration process entirely.
Public and Political Reaction
The incident has sparked significant backlash, with the Press Council of India expressing shock and dismay over the treatment of media personnel. The council emphasized that journalists must be allowed to document public events without fear of aggression or threats. Additionally, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has publicly questioned the Ministry of Home Affairs, which oversees the Delhi Police, demanding to know why an FIR has not been registered despite the serious nature of the allegations. According to The Hindu, the investigation remains ongoing under the Crime Branch, with no further procedural steps or charges announced by the authorities.
Delhi Police registered three FIRs related to student and political protests at Jantar Mantar. The Press Club of India slammed the police actions against journalists during Friday and Saturday protests.