Protest against Gyanesh Kumar: Journalists allege sexual harassment by cops; Crime Branch to probe claim - The Indian Express

A day after three female journalists — who were covering protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, near Jantar Mantar — accused Delhi Police officers of sexual harassment, the Crime Branch has been tasked with investigating into the matter, officers said Sunday.

Officers said statements of the women were recorded on Sunday. CCTV footage from the protest site will be examined, they added.

The police, meanwhile, also requested people with video evidence, if any, to come forward.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Neha Yadav said the protesters were informed about the implementation of Section 163 of the BNSS in the New Delhi area, under which public gatherings of five or more people, demonstrations and other activities without prior written permission are prohibited. She said police personnel on Saturday acted only after the protesters, who were directed to leave the spot, refused to do so.

“Later in the day (Saturday), three women, who identified themselves as journalists, filed a complaint alleging manhandling by Delhi Police officials and staff during the detention. Their complaints were taken; they underwent medical examinations and all the complaints were sent to the Crime Branch. I request all of you … that if you have any video footage related to this, please share it with the Crime Branch,” she said.

On 03-10-26, during the protest in New Delhi area, while being in law and order situation, allegations of sexual harassment were made by three female journalists against police officers.

New Delhi District has received their complaints and the same are transferred to Crime Branch for fair and impartial enquiry.

According to statement issued by the Delhi Police that was posted on X, “On October 3, during the protest in the New Delhi area, while in a law-and-order situation, allegations of sexual harassment were made by three female journalists against police officers. New Delhi District has received their complaints, and the same have been transferred to the Crime Branch for a fair and impartial enquiry.”

Sources said the three female journalists run news portals and work as freelancers.

On Saturday, over 150 people, including AISA president Neha Bora, activist Yogendra Yadav, and senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, were detained for allegedly attempting to return to Jantar Mantar after being held a day earlier while demanding the resignation of CEC Kumar.

According to the complaint filed by one of the journalists, a copy of which is with The Indian Express, she had spotted Neha Bora and other female protesters being detained. She alleged there was no female police officer present. She alleged that when she pointed this out an officer “pushed” and “shoved” her. According to the complaint, when she confronted him, the officer fled the scene.

Another journalist said she was covering the protest on Ashoka Road at 3 pm. “I was recording the detention of Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan when I felt someone touching my back,” she alleged in her complaint, adding that she turned to find an officer “standing very close” to her. According to the complaint, when she confronted him about the alleged “inappropriate touching”, he dismissed her claim.

On Saturday evening, several freelance journalists and representatives of news portals had gathered outside the Parliament Street police station, demanding action against the officers involved in the alleged incidents of sexual assault. Around midnight, Cockroach Janta Party leaders Saurav Das and Ratna Singh also reached the spot and demanded action against the officers.

To press for their demands — the CEC’s resignation and the registration of an FIR over the alleged assault on female journalists — members of AISA and other activists had called for another protest on Sunday.

Das said his party extended complete support and would stand by every journalist and protester. “The FIR is a must,” he said.

On Sunday, the two CJP leaders reached the spot again. They were later joined by SFI leader Aishe Ghosh and CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat. Das was later allowed to meet the Station House Officer at Parliament Street Police Station and the complainants.