New Delhi : All India Students’ Association (AISA) president Neha Bora on Monday claimed that journalists protesting over the alleged sexual harassment of three women journalists by police personnel. Bora’s claim came as protesters gathered outside the Parliament Street police station today demanding registration of an FIR and a probe into the allegations arising from the October 3 protest calling for Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
Bora said the protesting journalists were detained at a Delhi Cantt police station, adding that a team of lawyers was in touch with them. She also appealed to lawyers who could reach the police station immediately to get in touch with her. One of the three women journalists claimed that Assistant Commissioner of Police Vivek Bhagat sexually assaulted her after she questioned the absence of women police personnel at the protest site.
The Crime Branch will examine the allegations and record statements of the complainants and other people concerned, according to the police. The Press Club of India expressed “shock and dismay” over the treatment of journalists during the protest and called for immediate action on the complaint. It said journalists should be able to work freely and without fear while covering protests.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the lack of action on the demand for an FIR, saying women felt threatened by the very police force tasked with ensuring their safety. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) alleged that ACP Bhagat had misbehaved with and touched the woman journalist inappropriately, and called for an FIR and his suspension.
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