Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Delhi Officer Promoted Amid Probe Into Journalist Harassment Allegations
Three women journalists said police officers sexually harassed them while they covered a protest in Delhi on October 3.
The protest called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign.
One journalist accused ACP Vivek Bhagat of sexually assaulting and pushing her after she asked why women police officers were not there.
The allegation has not been independently verified.
Delhi Police sent the journalists’ complaints to its Crime Branch for inquiry, but reports said an FIR had not yet been filed.
The police said claims that female protesters were physically assaulted were baseless and said women were handled by female staff.
On October 5, Bhagat and 11 other officers received temporary assignments to perform routine Additional DCP duties.
Police said the assignments were routine and had been requested earlier.
Critics questioned the timing while the complaints were under inquiry.
Delhi Police ACP Vivek Bhagat was among 12 officers assigned temporary current duty charge of routine Additional DCP duties on October 5.
Three women journalists complained of alleged sexual harassment by police during an October 3 protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
One journalist alleged Bhagat sexually assaulted and pushed her after she questioned the apparent absence of women police personnel; the claim has not been independently verified.
The complaints were referred to the Crime Branch, while reports said no FIR had yet been registered on the journalist’s complaint.
Police described the assignments as routine and requested earlier; political figures and activists criticized the promotion, while police rejected claims of physical assault as baseless and misleading.
- Who
- Three women journalists complained about alleged sexual harassment by Delhi Police personnel; one named ACP Vivek Bhagat.
- What
- Bhagat and 11 other officers received temporary current duty charge of routine Additional DCP duties as the complaints were referred to the Crime Branch.
- When
- The protest was on October 3, 2026; the temporary duty order was issued on October 5, 2026.
- Where
- Jantar Mantar and the Parliament Street area of New Delhi.
- Why
- The complaints arose while journalists covered a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Complainants and critics
Delhi Police and its explanation
Alleged conduct during the protest
Complainants and critics
Three journalists alleged sexual harassment by police. One accused Bhagat of sexually assaulting and pushing her after she questioned the apparent absence of women police personnel; the allegation has not been independently verified.
Delhi Police and its explanation
Delhi Police called claims of physical assault against female protesters baseless and misleading, and said female protesters were handled by female staff and detentions followed prescribed procedures.
Temporary assignment during the inquiry
Complainants and critics
Political figures and activists criticized the decision, asking whether Bhagat was being rewarded and raising concerns about women's safety and the delay in registering an FIR.
Delhi Police and its explanation
A senior police officer said the assignments were routine and had been requested earlier. The order says they confer no statutory Additional DCP powers, additional pay or allowances, or seniority.
- Officer named in a complaint
- ACP Vivek Bhagat
- Journalists who complained
- Three
- Protest date and location
- October 3, 2026, at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
- Inquiry
- Delhi Police transferred the complaints to the Crime Branch for inquiry.
- Officers in the order
- 12 DANIPS officers, including Bhagat
- Terms of assignments
- Temporary current duty charge of routine Additional DCP duties; no statutory powers, additional pay or allowances, or seniority.
- FIR status reported
- Reports said no FIR had yet been registered on the journalist’s complaint.
- Police explanation
- A senior officer said the assignments were routine and the request had been sent earlier.
Sources
Delhi cop accused of harassing scribe during stir promoted
'Rewarded for molestation?': Delhi Police ACP accused of harassing journalist promoted to Additional DCP
Molestation cry, yet cop promoted; CJP, Rahul fume over 'pattern of silencing women'
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
