The alleged detention came as protesters gathered outside the Parliament Street police station, demanding an FIR and an impartial probe into the October 3 incident.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi: October 5: A fresh controversy has emerged over the alleged treatment of journalists during a protest at Jantar Mantar, with All India Students’ Association (AISA) president Neha Bora claiming that journalists who had raised allegations of sexual harassment against police personnel were detained by the Delhi Police.
The alleged detention came as protesters gathered outside the Parliament Street police station on Monday, seeking registration of an FIR and an independent investigation into allegations arising from the October 3 demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
In a post on X, Bora alleged that the journalists were being held at a Delhi Cantt police station. She said a team of lawyers was in contact with them and appealed to other lawyers who could reach the police station to assist.
The developments follow allegations by three women journalists regarding their treatment by police personnel during the October 3 protest. One of the journalists has alleged that Assistant Commissioner of Police Vivek Bhagat behaved inappropriately with her after she questioned the absence of women police personnel at the protest site.
Delhi Police has said that it received complaints from the three journalists and transferred the matter to the Crime Branch for a “fair and impartial enquiry”. The investigating team is expected to record the statements of the complainants and other individuals associated with the incident.
The allegations have also drawn reactions from journalists’ and political organisations. The Press Club of India expressed concern over the reported treatment of journalists and called for prompt action, stressing that journalists must be able to perform their professional duties without intimidation while covering public protests.
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Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has also questioned the reported delay in registration of an FIR, while Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised what she described as a lack of action on the complaints.
Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has alleged that ACP Bhagat misbehaved with and touched a woman journalist inappropriately, demanding registration of an FIR and his suspension.
AISA has separately alleged that women protesters, journalists and lawyers were manhandled by male police personnel during the demonstration. The organisation has also claimed that several women reported being groped during the protest.
The allegations have not been independently established. The Crime Branch inquiry is expected to examine the complaints, record statements and determine the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
The controversy comes amid continuing political and civil-society protests over demands concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the functioning of the Election Commission.
