Women journalists allege police harassment during Jantar Mantar protest, Rahul Gandhi urges action

During a protest at Jantar Mantar calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, three female journalists said they were subjected to sexual harassment and manhandling by police personnel, including an incident involving Assistant Commissioner of Police Vivek Bhagat. The journalists reported that their cameras were taken and that they were groped, and they attempted to file FIRs but were told none could be lodged while a Crime Branch inquiry is underway.

Rahul Gandhi said the allegations should be investigated, urged the release of CCTV footage from Saket police station and called for swift action against any officers found guilty. Delhi Police said the complaints were recorded, that the complainants underwent medical checks and that the matters have been sent to the Crime Branch for investigation. The Cockroach Janata Party members accompanied a complainant to Parliament Street police station, were denied an FIR on the grounds of the ongoing inquiry and began a sit‑in outside the station demanding the FIR be filed.