Journalist Among Protesters Detained in Delhi Over Sexual Assault Allegations Against Police Officer

A journalist who has accused a senior Delhi Police officer of sexual assault was among several people detained on Monday while protesting outside the Delhi Police headquarters and demanding registration of a First Information Report (FIR), according to reports.

The journalist, along with two other women journalists, has alleged sexual misconduct and assault by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vivek Bhagat. The women have approached the authorities with complaints against the officer and have sought a formal criminal investigation into their allegations.

The protest was organised after the women alleged that the police had failed to register an FIR despite receiving their complaints. The protesters called for immediate action and demanded that the allegations be investigated through due legal process. One of the journalists who had made the allegations was detained along with 17 other protesters during the demonstration. The detentions took place as the group gathered to press the Delhi Police to formally register the case.

The Delhi Police has acknowledged receiving the complaints. The matter has reportedly been transferred to the Crime Branch for investigation. However, at the time of the report, an FIR had not been registered in connection with the allegations.

The complaints against ACP Bhagat have raised questions about the police response to allegations made against one of its own officers. The journalists have maintained that registration of an FIR is necessary for a proper investigation and for the allegations to be examined through the criminal justice system.

The case has also drawn attention to the difficulties faced by complainants seeking action when allegations involve serving police personnel. The protesters argued that the complaints should be dealt with transparently and that the investigation should be allowed to proceed without delay.

The allegations against the officer remain claims at this stage, and their validity will have to be established through an investigation and due legal proceedings. No finding of guilt has been made against Bhagat in connection with the complaints.

With the case now transferred to the Crime Branch, further action is expected after the investigating authorities examine the complaints and the material submitted by the journalists. The immediate issue remains whether an FIR will be registered and what course the investigation will take. The detention of protesters demanding action has added another dimension to the controversy, with the journalists and their supporters continuing to seek a formal police investigation into the allegations.