Three women journalists have alleged that they were sexually harassed by police personnel while covering a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on October 3. The protest was held by groups demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The Delhi Police has said that the complaints have been transferred to the Crime Branch for a "fair and impartial enquiry."
Journalist alleges misconduct by ACP
One of the journalists alleged that an assistant commissioner of police (ACP) sexually assaulted her while she was recording the police action during the protest.
According to her allegation, the officer touched her inappropriately and pushed her away while she was carrying out her journalistic duties.
She further alleged that she and other journalists went to a police station to file a complaint but claimed that it was not registered immediately.
The allegations are being investigated and no finding of wrongdoing has been established against the accused officers at this stage.
Delhi Police transfers complaints to Crime Branch
Responding to the allegations, Delhi Police said complaints made by the three women journalists had been received by the New Delhi district and transferred to the Crime Branch for an impartial investigation.
The police said the complaints relate to alleged sexual harassment by police officers during the law-and-order situation at the October 3 protest.
Press Council of India expresses concern
The Press Council of India (PCI) expressed "shock and dismay" over the alleged treatment of journalists during the protest.
The council said journalists should be able to work freely and document protests without fear. It also urged the Delhi Police to act on the complaint and ensure that media personnel are able to carry out their professional duties without facing aggression or threats.
Protest was against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
The journalists' allegations emerged during a larger protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Opposition parties, student groups and civil society organisations have been protesting over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, including claims of large-scale voter deletions. The Election Commission has faced criticism over the issue, while the poll body has maintained that differing views are part of its decision-making process.
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. @PTI_News @ANI #DPUpdates
— Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) October 4, 2026
Nearly 1,000 protesters detained
The October 3 protest also saw a major police deployment in central Delhi. Police detained nearly 1,000 protesters, including political leaders and activists from several organisations. Many were later released.
Police had imposed restrictions on assemblies in the New Delhi district and deployed thousands of personnel around the protest area. Several roads and Metro stations were affected, while internet services were also suspended around Jantar Mantar as part of the security arrangements.
The allegations by the three journalists are now with the Crime Branch, which is expected to record statements from the complainants and other people concerned as part of its investigation.
