Severe controversy has erupted in the national capital following street detentions near Jantar Mantar on Saturday. Three female journalists covering the demonstrations accused on-duty Delhi Police personnel of physical assault and sexual harassment.
The journalists were reporting on public demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Following widespread public fury, senior police brass handed the investigation over to the specialized Delhi Police Crime Branch, according to a report by The Indian Express.
Serious Allegations Against Male Police Officers
The alleged misconduct occurred while police units broke up an unauthorized march moving from Patel Chowk toward Jantar Mantar. The reporters were recording video footage of student activists and political leaders being bundled into buses.
However, male police personnel reportedly surrounded the journalists, pushed them aggressively, and snatched recording equipment. In a video statement shared on social media, one reporter alleged that a senior officer of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) rank deliberately groped her while detaining protesters.
Furthermore, the victims pointed out that male officers manhandled them despite clear legal rules mandating female police personnel for handling women on site, as detailed by ETV Bharat.
Media Bodies and Political Parties Condemn Misconduct
The incident drew swift and fierce condemnation from national press associations and civil liberties groups. Press clubs demanded immediate suspensions and strict legal action against the accused officers.
Meanwhile, political leaders across the opposition spectrum condemned the police department’s aggressive behavior. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticized the alleged abuse of power against working media personnel.
In addition, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) staged protest demonstrations on Sunday, accusing the central government of using administrative muscle to intimidate independent reporters, according to coverage by The Times of India.
Crime Branch Ordered to Review Bodycam and CCTV Footage
Faced with growing public indignation, the Delhi Police issued an official statement acknowledging the complaints. Officials confirmed that the New Delhi District office received formal grievances from all three affected journalists.
Police leadership assigned the inquiry to the Crime Branch to ensure an impartial probe. Investigators are collecting video feeds recorded by bystanders, media cameras, and municipal CCTV poles installed across Ashoka Road and Parliament Street.
Consequently, detectives will examine body-worn camera footage to reconstruct the exact sequence of events, as reported by India Today.
Rising Friction Over Demonstrations in the Capital
The incident has intensified friction between city authorities and civil society groups protesting against the Election Commission.
Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remain in place across the central government district. However, rights advocates argue that security curbs cannot serve as a cover for police brutality or violations of women’s personal dignity.
Ultimately, the findings of the Crime Branch inquiry will test police accountability at a time when street agitations in the capital face heightened administrative crackdowns.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
