Delhi Police Officer Promoted Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations
Assistant Commissioner Vivek Bhagat receives a temporary promotion just days after being accused of sexually harassing a journalist.
Vivek Bhagat has been promoted to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police temporarily.
Three women journalists reported sexual harassment by police during a protest on October 3.
Delhi Police has dismissed the allegations as baseless and misleading.
Vivek Bhagat, an Assistant Commissioner with the Delhi Police, has been temporarily elevated to the position of Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, just two days following allegations of sexual harassment made against him by a female journalist. This promotion comes as part of a broader order affecting 12 officers from the Delhi Andaman Nicobar Islands Police Service (DANIPS), issued on Monday.
The allegations stem from an incident that occurred during a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 3, where demonstrators were calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Three women journalists reported instances of sexual harassment by police personnel while they were covering the event. One journalist claimed that after questioning Bhagat about the lack of female officers present during the detentions of protesters, he assaulted her and pushed her back.
Following the complaints, the Delhi Police transferred the cases to the Crime Branch for further investigation. The order detailing the promotion of Bhagat and the other officers specifies that they will not have the full powers associated with the Additional DCP role and will not receive additional pay or allowances. The arrangement is temporary and can be revoked at any time without explanation.
The implications of this situation extend beyond the individual allegations, raising concerns about police conduct during protests and the treatment of journalists. The Delhi Police has publicly denied the allegations, asserting that they are unfounded and misleading. They emphasized that female protesters were managed by female officers and that all procedures were followed appropriately during the protest.
Looking ahead, the ongoing investigation by the Crime Branch will be crucial in determining the validity of the claims made by the journalists. The Delhi Police's response and the outcomes of the inquiry will likely influence public perception and trust in law enforcement, particularly regarding their treatment of women and media personnel during civil demonstrations.
