Delhi Police Deny Assault Claims and Issue Media Guidelines as Accused Cop Gets Promotion

Delhi Police have called claims of physical assault against female protesters baseless and misleading, even as an accused police officer received a promotion. The clarification follows allegations from three women journalists that police personnel sexually harassed them during an October 3 protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar.

Action and Reaction

Assistant Commissioner of Police Vivek Bhagat, who was accused by one journalist of assault and sexual harassment, was promoted to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police on Monday. Senior officers stated the promotion was a routine order from an earlier proposal, alongside eleven other officers. The decision drew sharp criticism from figures including human rights lawyer Vrinda Grover, who termed it state-promoted impunity, and Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke and member Ratna Singh. Meanwhile, the complaints have been transferred to the Crime Branch for an impartial inquiry, and independent journalists staged a protest outside Parliament Street police station on Saturday demanding FIRs.

Media Guidelines

Following the incident, Delhi Police released new guidelines for journalists covering protests. Reporters must carry valid organization identity cards or PIB or DIP accreditation cards, keep them visibly displayed at all times, avoid obstructing police operations, and maintain a safe distance during tense situations.

Context

Protests involving media coverage and law enforcement frequently bring questions of public accountability and safety to the forefront in the national capital. Police guidelines during demonstrations aim to balance crowd control and reporting access, while investigations into personnel conduct are standard procedure when formal complaints are filed.