ACP Vivek Bhagat opts out of Delhi Police charge order
ACP Vivek Bhagat steps aside from Additional DCP charge pending a harassment inquiry involving women journalists. 11 officers to receive duties.
The Delhi government has modified an administrative order regarding the assignment of Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Addl DCP) duties after Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vivek Bhagat requested to step aside. This decision comes amid an ongoing inquiry into allegations of harassment involving women journalists.
Voluntary withdrawal amid harassment probe
ACP Vivek Bhagat, who is currently serving as the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) for Connaught Place, has formally requested not to take on the additional responsibilities. According to a statement released by the Delhi government, Bhagat has chosen to decline the current duty charge (CDC) until a full investigation into the alleged harassment of women journalists is conducted and satisfactorily concluded.
The original order, approved by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on October 5, had initially named 12 Selection Grade DANIPS officers to receive these additional charges. Following Bhagat's request, the administration confirmed that the order will be amended to include only the remaining 11 officers.
Timeline of the administrative order
Addressing the timing of the assignment, the Delhi government clarified that the process was not a reaction to the recent allegations. The administration noted that the proposal to confer these additional duty charges was initiated on August 25, well before the current controversy involving Bhagat surfaced. The formal orders were only issued on October 5 after receiving the necessary approvals.
Nature of the assignment
The government emphasized that the assignment of these duties is an interim administrative measure rather than a permanent promotion. Key details regarding the nature of this arrangement include:
- Temporary Status: The assignment is a temporary arrangement meant to manage administrative requirements.
- No Financial Benefit: Officers receiving the current duty charge will not receive any additional financial benefits.
- Limited Authority: The officers assigned these charges cannot exercise the statutory duties typically held by the regular incumbents of the posts.
A revised order, strictly assigning the current duty charge to the 11 remaining DANIPS officers, is expected to be issued shortly.