Delhi Police Suspends ACP Manasvi Vashishth After HQ Protest
Delhi Police suspends ACP Manasvi Vashishth following a massive protest by police personnel at the headquarters over transfer orders.
In a surprising turn of events, the Delhi Police has suspended Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Manasvi Vashishth. The disciplinary action comes in the wake of a significant internal uprising where a large group of police personnel staged a protest right outside the Delhi Police Headquarters (PHQ).
The Spark: Clash at Shahdara Police Station
The roots of this unrest trace back to October 23, following a volatile clash between police personnel and lawyers at the Shahdara police station. In the aftermath of this confrontation, the department ordered the transfers of two key officers: ACP Manasvi Vashishth and the then-Station House Officer (SHO) Arun Kumar.
These transfer orders did not sit well with their colleagues, leading to a rare display of public dissent within the force.
Unprecedented Protest at Police Headquarters
Demonstrating their support for the transferred officers, approximately 100 to 150 police personnel, including several female officers, gathered at the PHQ. The protesters voiced their grievances and put forward several key demands:
- Immediate Revocation: The personnel demanded that the transfer orders for ACP Manasvi Vashishth and former SHO Arun Kumar be cancelled immediately.
- Reinstatement: They sought the reinstatement of both officers to their previous positions.
- New Protocols: Protesters called for the implementation of a formal Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure that future clashes between the police and the legal fraternity are avoided.
- Protection for Protesters: The group requested a guarantee that no disciplinary action would be taken against the officers participating in the demonstration.
The Aftermath and Suspension
The protest continued until Monday, eventually concluding after senior police officials stepped in. The officers provided assurances that legal and medical support would be available for the personnel involved in the initial clash.
However, the resolution of the protest did not extend to the leadership. The Delhi Police subsequently suspended ACP Manasvi Vashishth, citing his alleged role in leading the demonstration and a blatant violation of departmental discipline.