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ACP Vivek Bhagat (Img: X)
New Delhi: Journalists’ organisations have stepped up their demand for an FIR and an independent judicial inquiry against Delhi Police ACP Vivek Bhagat following allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct involving women journalists during a protest in the national capital.
The controversy stems from the October 3 protest near Jantar Mantar, where demonstrations were being held over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Three women journalists subsequently approached the police with complaints alleging sexual harassment and manhandling during the police action.
Media bodies have called for a transparent investigation and questioned the delay in registering an FIR. They have demanded that the allegations against ACP Bhagat be investigated independently rather than allowing the matter to remain within the police hierarchy.
The Delhi Police had earlier transferred the complaints to its Crime Branch, stating that the move was intended to ensure a fair and impartial inquiry. Medical examinations of the complainants were also conducted, according to police statements.
The issue has intensified amid allegations that the complainants were not provided an immediate legal remedy. Journalists and activists had gathered outside the Parliament Street police station, seeking registration of an FIR and action against the police officer.
The controversy also affected Bhagat’s proposed promotion. He had been included among officers selected for appointment as Additional DCP, but subsequently requested that he not take charge until the inquiry into the allegations was completed.
The Delhi government later modified the order, effectively putting his assignment on hold pending the investigation. Officials said the promotion proposal had been initiated before the allegations emerged.
The case has also been accompanied by a separate controversy involving a purported video circulated on social media. Delhi Police arrested a man accused of creating and distributing a fabricated video that allegedly showed Bhagat engaging in inappropriate conduct with a woman.
Police said the video had been digitally manipulated and falsely presented as CCTV footage from the protest. A separate cybercrime case was registered in connection with its circulation.
With journalists’ organisations now demanding an FIR and judicial probe, pressure is mounting for an independent examination of the allegations and the conduct of the police personnel involved in the protest-related action.
