Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Delhi Withholds ACP Vivek Bhagat’s Additional DCP Charge
ACP Vivek Bhagat was assigned a temporary extra police role along with 11 other officers.
A woman journalist accused him of sexually harassing her during a protest on October 3.
Two other women journalists also complained of sexual harassment by police officers at the protest.
The complaints were sent to the Crime Branch for further inquiry, and the articles say no conclusion has been reported.
Bhagat asked not to take the extra role until an inquiry is completed satisfactorily.
The Delhi government withheld his assignment and said it would reissue the order for the other 11 officers.
The government said the plan began before the events connected to the allegations.
It also said the temporary assignment offered no extra pay or statutory powers.
The Delhi government withheld ACP Vivek Bhagat’s temporary current duty charge as additional deputy commissioner of police after he asked not to take it pending an inquiry.
Bhagat is accused of sexually harassing a woman journalist during an October 3 protest at Jantar Mantar; the allegation remains under investigation.
Three women journalists have accused Delhi Police officers of sexual harassment during the protest, and their complaints were forwarded to the Crime Branch.
The government said the proposal for additional charges for 12 DANIPS officers began on August 25 and was approved on October 5.
The government said the arrangement was temporary, carried no financial benefit, and did not confer the statutory duties of regular post-holders; the order will be reissued for the other 11 officers.
- Who
- ACP Vivek Bhagat, the Delhi government, and women journalists who filed complaints against Delhi Police officers.
- What
- Bhagat’s temporary current duty charge as additional DCP was withheld at his request pending an inquiry into alleged harassment.
- When
- The protest took place on October 3; the proposal began on August 25 and the order was approved on October 5. The government announced the withholding late Monday.
- Where
- Jantar Mantar, New Delhi.
- Why
- Bhagat asked not to take the assignment until an inquiry into the alleged harassment was completed satisfactorily.
Criticism and allegations
Government’s explanation
Assignment amid allegations
Criticism and allegations
The initial assignment drew public and political criticism because Bhagat was accused of sexual harassment while complaints were under inquiry.
Government’s explanation
The government said the proposal for the 12 officers began on August 25, before the present events, and was approved on October 5.
Withholding Bhagat’s charge
Criticism and allegations
Critics questioned the assignment and called for scrutiny while the allegations were being investigated.
Government’s explanation
The government said Bhagat requested not to avail the charge until the inquiry was satisfactorily concluded, and clarified that the charge was temporary and carried no extra pay or statutory duties.
- Officer
- Assistant Commissioner of Police Vivek Bhagat
- Withheld assignment
- Temporary current duty charge as additional deputy commissioner of police
- Other officers
- The revised order is to cover the 11 other officers
- Proposal initiated
- August 25
- Order approved
- October 5
- Complaints
- Three women journalists accused Delhi Police officers of sexual harassment during the protest
- Inquiry
- Complaints were forwarded to the Crime Branch for further inquiry
- Assignment terms
- Temporary, with no financial benefit or statutory duties of regular incumbents
Sources
Delhi: Additional DCP Charge Withheld for ACP Accused of Harassment
Promotion of Delhi cop, accused of sexually harassing woman, put on hold
Delhi Police ACP Vivek Bhagat’s additional DCP promotion withheld amid journalist harassment inquiry
Delhi ACP Vivek Bhagat’s Additional DCP Charge Withheld Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations By Woman Journalist
After sexual harassment complaint, Delhi cop’s additional charge withheld
Promotion of Delhi ACP, accused of harassing woman, withheld