Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Journalist Alleging Sexual Assault Detained With 16 Others Over FIR Demand
Three women journalists say police officers mistreated or sexually assaulted them while they were covering a protest in Delhi.
They made complaints, and police said the complaints were sent to the Crime Branch for investigation.
Police also said the women gave statements and that CCTV footage would be checked.
A group spent the night outside a police station, asking police to register an FIR and share an update.
About 17 people, including one of the journalists, were detained on Monday and taken to another police station.
Police said gatherings were restricted in the area and denied that officers mistreated the group.
Supporters alleged that some detainees were assaulted.
One account said the detainees were taken for medical examinations and medico-legal certificates.
A journalist who accused a Delhi police officer of sexual assault or harassment was detained Monday with 16 others after they spent the night outside Parliament Street police station.
The protesters sought an FIR and action against police personnel over three journalists’ complaints concerning an October 3 protest near Jantar Mantar.
Police said Section 163 restricted gatherings in the New Delhi district and that Parliament Street was not a designated protest site.
Delhi Police said the women’s statements were recorded, medical examinations conducted and complaints sent to the Crime Branch; CCTV footage is to be examined.
Supporters alleged detainees were assaulted, while police denied manhandling; a separate report said detainees were taken for medical examinations and MLCs.
- Who
- About 17 protesters, including a journalist who accused a police officer of sexual assault or harassment; three female journalists filed complaints.
- What
- The group was detained while seeking an FIR and action over allegations concerning police conduct during a protest.
- When
- The detentions occurred Monday morning; the journalists’ allegations concern an October 3 protest.
- Where
- Outside Parliament Street police station in New Delhi; the group was taken to Delhi Cantonment police station.
- Why
- The protesters sought an FIR and an update on the complaints; police cited restrictions on gatherings under Section 163.
Protesters and supporters
Delhi Police
Alleged treatment of detainees
Protesters and supporters
Cockroach Janta Party representative Ratna Singh alleged detainees were assaulted and two were brutally beaten. An AILAJ advocate also alleged assaults and said detainees were taken for medical examinations and MLCs.
Delhi Police
A police officer denied that anyone was manhandled and said detainees resisted as officers took them to a bus.
Reason for the detention
Protesters and supporters
The protesters wanted an FIR, action against the officers named in the complaints and information about the complaints’ status.
Delhi Police
Police said Section 163 restricted gatherings without prior written permission and Parliament Street was not a designated protest site.
- People detained Monday
- About 17, including one of the journalists who complained
- Journalists’ complaints
- Three separate complaints
- Protest date
- October 3
- Investigation agency
- Delhi Police Crime Branch
- Detention destination
- Delhi Cantonment police station
- Restriction cited
- Section 163 was in force across the New Delhi district
- Disputed treatment of detainees
- Supporters alleged assault; police said no one was manhandled
