NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused the Delhi Police of mistreating women protesters and journalists during recent demonstrations in the national capital, after three women who identified themselves as journalists complained of alleged manhandling and sexual harassment by police personnel.In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi alleged that women were being silenced when they raised questions and demanded that CCTV footage from Saket police station be made public. He also sought action against police personnel accused of misconduct.“What’s happening in Delhi right now follows a single pattern: silence any woman who dares to ask questions.Hundreds of people were detained at Jantar Mantar. Female protesters alleged that male police officers misbehaved with them. Cameras were snatched from female journalists, and they were dragged around. Not even an FIR was filed on a journalist’s complaint.A few weeks ago, Shaheen and Nafisa recounted their experiences of violence and mistreatment inside the Saket police station. Think about it—inside the station, the very place where women go to file complaints.Those entrusted with the responsibility of protecting women are now the ones posing a threat to them. And everyone in this country knows who the Delhi Police answers to.The entire CCTV footage from the Saket police station should be made public. Immediate action must be taken against the guilty police officers. Shaheen, Nafisa, and all those who have faced violence and rudeness from the Delhi Police must get justice.Mr Amit Shah—why are you and your police so afraid of women?”The Delhi Police, meanwhile, said three women journalists had submitted complaints alleging that they were manhandled by police officers and staff during their detention at a protest on October 3 against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.Deputy commissioner of police Neha Yadav said the complaints had been registered, medical examinations conducted and the matter referred to the Crime Branch.“Around 6 PM, three women, who identified themselves as journalists, lodged a complaint alleging manhandling by Delhi Police officers and staff during their detention.”“We request anyone possessing relevant footage to share it with the Crime Branch,” Yadav said.Delhi Police also confirmed that it had received complaints alleging sexual harassment by police personnel during the October 3 protest.“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,” the police said in a post on X.
What Delhi Police said about the protest
According to police, protesters had been asked to vacate the site after Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita was imposed in the area. The protesters allegedly refused to comply and were subsequently detained.“Despite the imposition of Section 163 of the BNSS in the area, AISA and other parties staged a protest on October 3rd against the SIR. Protesters were warned to vacate the site, citing Section 163 of the BNSS; upon their refusal to comply, they were detained,” Yadav said.
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Several members of the All India Students’ Association were detained by Delhi Police during the protest near Jantar Mantar. The demonstration was held against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar as protests over the SIR exercise continued in the capital.
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Several protesters, including AISA president Neha Bora and senior advocates Prashant Bhushan and Kapil Sibal, attempted to cross police barricades near Jantar Mantar, according to the police account.Delhi Police has registered at least three FIRs in connection with the mass protest held near Jantar Mantar on October 2. Two FIRs were registered at Parliament Street police station and one at Connaught Place police station.