ACP Vivek Bhagat’s Promotion Put on Hold Amid Journalists’ Complaints
Additional DCP charge withheld after Bhagat requested that he not take charge until the investigation into the complaints is completed
New Delhi: The promotion of Delhi Police ACP Vivek Bhagat, who has been accused by female journalists of alleged sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour during a protest at Jantar Mantar, has been put on hold following a fresh development.
The Delhi government had on October 5 issued an order assigning additional DCP charges to 12 DANIPS officers, including Vivek Bhagat. The order came while complaints against police personnel, including Bhagat, were being investigated by the Crime Branch.
Bhagat subsequently requested the Police Commissioner that he should not be given the additional charge until the investigation into the complaints was completed. Following his request, the Delhi government modified the order and withheld his additional DCP charge, while the appointments of the other 11 officers remained unchanged.
The incident took place on October 3 at Jantar Mantar during a protest against the Chief Election Commissioner. Three female journalists reportedly submitted complaints alleging harassment and inappropriate behaviour by police personnel while they were covering the demonstration.
One of the complaints reportedly accused Bhagat of allegedly touching and pushing the journalist inappropriately. The allegations remain under investigation and have not been established.
The complaints were transferred from the New Delhi district to the Crime Branch for further investigation. The development had sparked concern among journalists and civil society members, particularly because the order assigning Bhagat the additional DCP charge was issued while the complaints were still being examined.
Journalists and others had also protested outside the Parliament Street Police Station, demanding legal action and registration of an FIR over the allegations.
Delhi Police, meanwhile, has rejected some of the allegations as misleading and said that women are treated with dignity. The force has also issued guidelines for journalists covering protests.
With Bhagat’s additional DCP charge now withheld, attention remains focused on the Crime Branch investigation and the action that may follow based on its findings.