3 hrs ago
Delhi Police Officer Promoted Amid Journalist Harassment Probe
Three women journalists complained about how police officers treated them during a protest in Delhi on October 3.
One journalist named ACP Vivek Bhagat and alleged that he sexually assaulted and pushed her.
She said she was covering the detention of student group leader Neha Bora.
The allegation has not been independently verified.
Delhi Police sent all three complaints to its Crime Branch for investigation.
Bhagat was promoted to Additional Deputy Commissioner while the inquiry was underway.
A police officer said the promotions were routine and had been requested well in advance.
Delhi Police also denied social media claims that female protesters were physically assaulted.
A campaigner questioned why Bhagat was promoted during the investigation.
ACP Vivek Bhagat was promoted to Additional Deputy Commissioner while allegations against him were being examined by the Crime Branch.
Three women journalists complained of alleged sexual harassment by police personnel during an October 3 protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
One journalist specifically alleged that Bhagat sexually assaulted and pushed her while she covered the detention of AISA president Neha Bora; the allegation has not been independently verified.
Delhi Police forwarded the complaints to the Crime Branch, saying they would receive a fair and impartial inquiry.
A senior police officer said the promotions were routine and the request had been sent long beforehand; the promotion order named 12 officers.
- Who
- Three women journalists complained about alleged sexual harassment by Delhi Police personnel; one named ACP Vivek Bhagat.
- What
- The complaints were sent to the Crime Branch, and Bhagat was promoted to Additional Deputy Commissioner along with 11 other officers.
- Where
- At a protest near Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
- When
- The protest took place on October 3; the promotion was reported on October 5, 2026.
- Why
- The complaints concerned the journalists’ alleged treatment during a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Complainants and critics
Delhi Police and its explanation
Alleged treatment of journalists and protesters
Complainants and critics
Three women journalists complained of sexual harassment; one alleged that Bhagat sexually assaulted and pushed her. The allegation has not been independently verified.
Delhi Police and its explanation
Delhi Police said the complaints were sent to the Crime Branch for a fair and impartial inquiry. It also called claims that female protesters were physically assaulted baseless and misleading, saying they were handled by female staff and detentions followed legal procedures.
Promotion during the inquiry
Complainants and critics
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke questioned why Bhagat was promoted while allegations against him were being investigated.
Delhi Police and its explanation
A senior police officer said the promotions were routine and the request had been sent well beforehand.
Key facts
- Officer promoted
- ACP Vivek Bhagat
- New rank
- Additional Deputy Commissioner (Additional DCP)
- Other promoted officers
- The order named 12 officers in total.
- Protest date
- October 3
- Protest location
- Near Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
- Complaints
- Three women journalists alleged sexual harassment by police personnel.
- Investigating unit
- Delhi Police Crime Branch
- Police explanation for promotions
- A senior police officer said the promotions were routine and the request had been sent well in advance.
Quotes
Aam Aadmi Party
Political party that criticized Bhagat’s promotion.
“Some social media handles are claiming that female protesters were subjected to physical assault. These allegations are baseless and misleading. Female protesters are handled by female staff and are treated with dignity and due regard.”
wionews.com
NDTV
news18.com
“Instead of filing an FIR and sending him to jail, the molester is being promoted. This shows the Modi government’s utter disregard for women’s safety and dignity.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
'Rewarded for molestation?': Delhi Police ACP accused of harassing journalist promoted to Additional DCP
Delhi ACP Vivek Bhagat, accused of sexually harassing journalist during anti-CEC protest, promoted
Delhi Cop, Accused Of Sexually Harassing Woman, Gets Promotion
Delhi Police Officer Accused Of Molesting Female Journalist Promoted To Additional DCP Amid Probe
Delhi cop accused of 'sexually harassing journalist' at Election Commission protest promoted to ADC rank
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