Three women journalists have complained of sexual harassment and manhandling allegedly involving Delhi Police ACP Vivek Bhagat during protests in Delhi. The Delhi Police has referred the complaints to the Crime Branch for investigation. The case has also raised questions about FIR registration and the rules laid down by the Supreme Court of India in the Lalita Kumari judgment.

Why in the News?

On October 4, 2026, Delhi Police said that three complaints had been received against ACP Vivek Bhagat and referred to the Crime Branch. The complaints followed an incident during protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

  • Three women journalists made complaints of sexual harassment and manhandling.
  • Medical examinations were conducted.
  • The Crime Branch will investigate the complaints.

What Happened During the Protest?

The incident took place during a protest in Delhi on October 3, 2026. According to the police, AISA and other groups held a protest despite restrictions imposed under Section 163 of the BNSS.

  • The protesters were asked to leave the site and were detained after they refused.
  • During the detention, three women who identified themselves as journalists complained of manhandling by police personnel.

Allegations Against ACP Vivek Bhagat

One woman journalist alleged that ACP Vivek Bhagat sexually harassed and pushed her while she was covering the detention of AISA president Neha. She later went to the Parliament of India Street police station seeking registration of an FIR.

  • Two other women journalists also came forward with complaints against the same officer.
  • They had made allegations against the officer in the past as well and have now filed fresh complaints.
  • The allegations are under investigation and have not been established by a court.

FIR and Preliminary Inquiry

The case has also raised the question of whether an FIR should be registered before a preliminary inquiry. A representative of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) argued that the police should register an FIR and then transfer the case to the Crime Branch for investigation. The issue is linked to the Supreme Court's Lalita Kumari judgment.

What is the Lalita Kumari Principle?

The Supreme Court of India held that registration of an FIR is mandatory when the information received by the police discloses a cognisable offence. However, a preliminary inquiry is allowed in certain limited situations before registering an FIR.

  • The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) also allows a preliminary inquiry in certain cognisable offences punishable with three years or more but less than seven years, subject to prior approval from a senior police officer.
  • Sexual harassment is a cognisable offence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

What Has Delhi Police Said?

Delhi Police said that the complaints had been received and referred to the Crime Branch.

The DCP said:

  • Three women journalists submitted complaints.
  • The complaints involved alleged manhandling during detention.
  • Medical examinations were conducted.
  • The matter was referred to the Crime Branch.
  • People having relevant video footage were asked to provide it to investigators.

Earlier, a New Delhi police official had said that no FIR had been registered at that stage and that evidence, including possible video footage, needed to be examined.

Press Club of India's Response

The Press Club of India criticised the treatment of journalists during the protests at Jantar Mantar. It expressed concern over the police action against journalists covering the protests and highlighted the need to protect journalists while they perform their professional duties.

Key Issues

The case highlights several important issues:

  • FIR registration in cases involving cognisable offences.
  • Difference between an FIR and preliminary inquiry.
  • Protection of journalists while covering protests.
  • Police accountability.
  • Investigation of allegations of sexual harassment and manhandling.
  • Balance between law-and-order measures and press freedom.

Conclusion

The complaints against ACP Vivek Bhagat have been referred to the Crime Branch for investigation. The case highlights the importance of police accountability, protection of journalists, and proper investigation of complaints. It also brings attention to the legal framework governing FIR registration and preliminary inquiries under the Lalita Kumari judgment and the BNSS.