CJP Protest: Women Journalists Allege Sexual Harassment, Rahul Gandhi Seeks Accountability

Three women journalists have alleged sexual harassment during a Delhi protest, with their complaints transferred to the Crime Branch as scrutiny grows over police conduct at Jantar Mantar.

New Delhi: Three women journalists have alleged sexual harassment during the October 3 protest at Jantar Mantar, with the Delhi Police Crime Branch at Kamla Market now investigating their complaints. The allegations have intensified scrutiny of police conduct and journalist safety, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has questioned the handling of the complaints and sought accountability from the Union government. The allegations remain under investigation, with the Crime Branch set to examine the complaints and available evidence before drawing any conclusions.

The complaints were submitted to New Delhi district police after the October 3 demonstration, during which security personnel detained protesters attempting to gather at Jantar Mantar. The allegations have not been independently established, and the Crime Branch will now examine the complaints and available evidence.

## Three Women Journalists File Complaints

Delhi Police said it received complaints from three female journalists alleging sexual harassment during the protest and transferred them to the Crime Branch for further action.

The move comes at a time when the conduct of security personnel during demonstrations in the national capital is facing increased scrutiny. The Crime Branch is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the allegations, identify the personnel involved and assess available evidence before deciding on further action.

The complaints have also brought the issue of safety for journalists covering demonstrations back into focus.

## What Happened At Jantar Mantar?

The protest was linked to demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations concerning the Special Intensive Revision, or SIR, of electoral rolls.

Security forces prevented protesters from gathering at Jantar Mantar on Saturday. Around 150 people were reportedly detained in and around the protest area.

Those detained included senior advocates Prashant Bhushan and Kapil Sibal, Swaraj India founder Yogendra Yadav and AISA national president Neha Bora.

The gathering brought together activists, lawyers, students, political figures and journalists, creating a tense law-and-order situation in central Delhi.

## Allegations Of Manhandling Add To Controversy

The sexual harassment complaints are not the only allegations to emerge from the protest.

AISA has alleged that women protesters, journalists and lawyers were manhandled by male police personnel during the demonstration. A video circulating on social media has reportedly shown a male police officer grabbing Neha Bora from behind during her detention.

The claims surrounding the video have not been independently verified. Delhi Police has also not publicly responded to every allegation cited in the reports.

The competing claims have intensified attention on crowd-control methods and the treatment of women during high-pressure protests.

## Separate Allegations Involving ACP Vivek Bhagat

The controversy has also expanded following allegations involving ACP Vivek Bhagat.

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das alleged that an independent woman journalist accused the officer of inappropriate physical conduct during the protest. The journalist reportedly approached police seeking registration of an FIR.

The allegations have prompted demands from protest organisers and supporters for a formal investigation.

The claims against the officer remain allegations and have not been established. The Crime Branch inquiry will be significant in determining the facts and whether the matter requires criminal or departmental action.

## Journalists Stage Sit-In Over FIR Demand

Following the allegations, journalists at the protest site reportedly staged a sit-in and sought registration of FIRs based on the complaints filed by the women journalists.

The development has raised concerns within the media community over whether journalists can safely report from demonstrations while carrying out their professional responsibilities.

Protest sites can involve rapidly changing situations, crowd-control measures and physical confrontations, making access and safety particularly important for journalists covering events from the ground.

## Press Club Of India Reacts

The Press Club of India has expressed concern over the reported treatment of journalists during the Jantar Mantar demonstrations.

The organisation called for the complaints of the women journalists to be acted upon and stressed the importance of allowing media personnel to report from protest sites without intimidation or aggression.

The reaction has widened the debate beyond the individual complaints, bringing press freedom, journalist safety and police accountability into focus.

Jantar Mantar is one of Delhi's major protest locations and regularly hosts demonstrations by political parties, civil society organisations, student groups and other associations.

## Rahul Gandhi Raises Questions Over Police Action

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also raised questions over the handling of the allegations involving the women journalists.

He has sought accountability from the Union government, pointing to the fact that Delhi Police functions under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

His intervention has added a political dimension to the controversy, although the allegations themselves remain subject to investigation.

The police inquiry and political reactions are separate matters, with the factual findings ultimately depending on the evidence gathered by the investigating authorities.

## CJP Plans Another Protest On October 10

The controversy comes ahead of another proposed demonstration in Delhi.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has announced plans for a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10 if Gyanesh Kumar does not resign.

The announcement follows the organisation's October 2 demonstration at Mumbai's Shivaji Park, where thousands reportedly gathered despite police denying permission.

The organisation has continued to raise allegations concerning electoral-roll revisions and the SIR exercise. Those allegations have not been independently verified.

## Police Had Earlier Registered FIRs

The latest complaints have emerged against the backdrop of previous police action surrounding the demonstrations.

Delhi Police had registered three FIRs related to the October 2 protests, while hundreds of people were detained as protesters attempted to reach Jantar Mantar.

The latest complaints have now been transferred to the Crime Branch at Kamla Market.

The investigation is expected to examine the complaints, statements of those involved, available video footage and other evidence connected with the protest.

## Why The Delhi Protest Row Matters

The controversy has raised questions that go beyond the immediate allegations.

The case touches on journalist safety, women's safety during crowd-control operations, police accountability and the ability of media personnel to report from politically sensitive demonstrations.

For the media fraternity, the allegations have renewed concerns about maintaining safe working conditions for journalists in crowded protest zones.

For the police, the Crime Branch inquiry will provide an opportunity to establish the facts and determine whether the allegations warrant criminal proceedings or departmental action.

The case could also influence how authorities manage future demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, particularly when large groups of protesters, journalists, lawyers and security personnel are present.

The immediate focus is now on the Crime Branch investigation. The complaints filed by the three women journalists will be examined along with other available evidence. The investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the allegations and whether any police personnel should face further action.

Meanwhile, the proposed October 10 demonstration could bring the issue back into the spotlight, particularly if the protest attracts a large gathering. For now, the allegations remain under investigation. The findings of the Crime Branch will be crucial in determining what happened during the October 3 protest and whether further legal or departmental action follows.