2 hrs ago
Journalist Among 17 Detained Seeking Action Over Alleged Assaults
Three women journalists say police officers treated them inappropriately while they covered a protest in Delhi.
Police say they have received the women’s complaints and sent them to the Crime Branch to investigate.
The journalists and other protesters wanted an FIR and updates about the complaints.
About 17 people who gathered outside a police station were detained on Monday and taken to another station.
Police said gatherings there were not allowed under a restriction on public meetings.
A representative supporting the women said some detainees were assaulted.
Police denied that anyone was manhandled.
The investigation and examination of CCTV footage are ongoing.
About 17 people, including one of the journalists who made a complaint, were detained Monday after camping outside Parliament Street police station.
They were seeking an FIR and action against officers accused of sexually assaulting three female journalists during an October 3 protest.
Police said Section 163 was in force across New Delhi district and gatherings at Parliament Street were not permitted.
Delhi Police said the three complaints were sent to the Crime Branch, which is verifying the allegations and examining CCTV footage.
A police officer denied that detainees were manhandled, while a CJP representative alleged some were assaulted during detention.
- Who
- About 17 protesters, including one of the female journalists who filed a complaint, were detained; three female journalists have complained about police conduct.
- What
- Protesters demanding an FIR and action over alleged sexual assault were detained outside Parliament Street police station.
- Where
- Outside Parliament Street police station in New Delhi; detainees were taken to Delhi Cantonment police station.
- When
- Monday morning; the alleged incidents occurred while journalists covered a protest on October 3.
- Why
- Police said gatherings were prohibited under Section 163 and that Parliament Street was not a designated protest site; protesters were seeking action on the journalists’ complaints.
Protesters and supporters
Delhi Police
Alleged mistreatment during detention
Protesters and supporters
CJP legal team head Ratna Singh alleged detainees were assaulted and said two were badly beaten.
Delhi Police
A police officer said no one was manhandled and that detainees resisted as officers took them to a bus.
Reason for detaining the group
Protesters and supporters
The protesters said they were seeking an FIR, action against officers, and information about the complaint.
Delhi Police
Police said Section 163 prohibited gatherings without prior written permission and Parliament Street was not a designated protest site.
Key facts
- Number detained Monday
- About 17
- Number of journalists’ complaints
- Three
- Date of protest covered by journalists
- October 3
- Investigation agency
- Crime Branch
- Detention location
- Delhi Cantonment police station
- Restriction cited by police
- Section 163 was imposed across New Delhi district
- Police account of detention
- An officer said detainees resisted but were not manhandled.
Quotes
Ratna Singh
Head of the Cockroach Janta Party's legal team
“The female victim who alleged molestation by an ACP, along with 17 others who were demanding the registration of an FIR, were detained this morning.”
indianexpress.com
Delhi Police officer
Police officer responding to allegations of assault during detention
“No one was manhandled. They were resisting detention when male and female personnel were taking them to the bus.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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