CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat on Sunday criticised Delhi Police over the delay in registering an FIR following sexual harassment allegations by women journalists covering the Jantar Mantar protest, saying registration of a case was a requirement of law and should not depend on a complainant first producing video evidence. Three women journalists have filed complaints alleging sexual harassment by police personnel during the October 3 protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Delhi Police has acknowledged receiving the three complaints and said they have been transferred from the New Delhi district to the Crime Branch for a “fair and impartial enquiry”. The allegations have not been established and are now being examined by the Crime Branch.
‘What is the meaning of law?’
Karat objected particularly to the allegation that video evidence was being sought before an FIR could be registered. She said such an approach effectively placed the burden on a woman alleging sexual harassment to first produce a recording of the incident.
“If you have the video, we will register an FIR. So what is the meaning of law?” Karat said, criticising what she alleged was an attempt by Delhi Police to protect the officer concerned. “This is extremely wrong. Registering an FIR is a requirement of the law,” she added.
Her intervention adds to growing political pressure on Delhi Police after Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also questioned the handling of the complaints. The Press Council of India has separately expressed “shock and dismay” over the treatment of journalists and called for action on the complaint.
ACP named in allegation
One of the independent journalists has specifically accused Assistant Commissioner of Police Vivek Bhagat of sexually assaulting her while she was covering police action against protesters at Jantar Mantar. According to her account, she questioned the officer about the absence of women police personnel while protesters were being detained, following which he allegedly touched her inappropriately and pushed her.
The allegation against the ACP remains an accusation and no finding of wrongdoing has been made. Karat, however, has demanded the officer’s arrest and immediate registration of an FIR.
CJP protests outside police station
The controversy intensified later on Sunday as Cockroach Janta Party members and supporters protested outside Parliament Street Police Station demanding registration of an FIR. CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das joined the complainant, her lawyers and the party’s legal team lead Ratna Singh outside the station. Das accused police of refusing to cooperate with the complainant and questioned why officers were not meeting those seeking registration of the case. He said the CJP delegation had come to support the journalist and would continue pressing for an FIR.
The CJP had earlier set a noon deadline on October 4 for an FIR to be registered against the ACP. The organisation has linked the controversy to its broader criticism of Delhi Police’s handling of the demonstrations against the CEC.
Rahul questions Shah
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi had earlier questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the matter, pointing out that Delhi Police comes under the Union Home Ministry. Gandhi said journalists had waited for hours demanding an FIR and asked why what he called the police’s “basic duty” had not been carried out.
Gandhi also alleged misconduct against women protesters, cameras being snatched and journalists being dragged during the demonstrations. These are allegations made by the Congress leader about police conduct during the protests.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, asking why they had not taken cognisance of the allegations. She said women journalists had been reporting from Jantar Mantar when the alleged incidents occurred and questioned the absence of an FIR despite protests by journalists.
Crime Branch takes over complaints
Delhi Police said the New Delhi district received complaints from all three women journalists and transferred them to the Crime Branch because the allegations were against police personnel who were deployed for law-and-order duties. The Crime Branch is expected to examine the allegations, record statements of the complainants and others concerned and assess relevant evidence.
The latest controversy stems from the second consecutive day of demonstrations at Jantar Mantar against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. More than 150 people, including activist Yogendra Yadav, senior advocate Prashant Bhushan and AISA president Neha Bora, were detained on October 3 as protesters attempted to return to the site after the previous day’s large mobilisation.
Delhi Police has separately registered three FIRs in connection with the demonstrations, including cases under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to disobedience of an order promulgated by a public servant. Against that backdrop, the absence so far of an FIR on the journalists’ complaints has become the focus of criticism from Opposition leaders, journalists and protest groups.