“Why won't they speak to us?” Protests erupt over journalist's molestation allegations
Protesters demand an FIR against Delhi Police after a woman journalist alleged molestation and sexual assault by an ACP during a protest.
Tensions flared outside the Parliament Street Police Station on Sunday as protesters gathered to demand an FIR against Delhi Police personnel following serious allegations of molestation and sexual assault by a woman journalist. The protest, led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and legal representatives, comes after the victim alleged she was assaulted by an officer during a recent protest.
Demands for FIR and Allegations of Police Shielding
Saurav Das, the Chief Spokesperson for the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), led the demonstration alongside the victim, her legal team, and other supporters. Addressing the crowd, Das expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the police authorities.
"The complainant, the victim, is here, along with her lawyers and the rest of us. Why won't they speak to us?" Das questioned. He warned that if the police did not respond immediately, the protesters intended to storm the station. Das further alleged that the Delhi Police appeared to be "shielding and protecting" ACP Vivek Bhagat, the officer at the center of the allegations.
Das emphasized that under Supreme Court guidelines, the police have an automatic duty to register an FIR when a woman reports a serious offense. He criticized the department's conduct, noting that the police were failing to cooperate with the victim despite the gravity of the claims involving molestation and sexual assault.
Failure to Act on CCTV Evidence
The legal team, led by Ratna Singh, highlighted the procedural delays and the police's refusal to act. According to Singh, the victim had provided the police with a deadline to review CCTV footage and register the case, but that deadline has since passed without any action taken.
- The victim and lawyers remained at the station until 1:30 AM.
- A deadline of 12:00 PM was set for the police to examine CCTV footage.
- As of 3:30 PM, no FIR has been filed and no officer was available to meet the protesters.
"They had asked for time, and we had given the police until 12:00 PM today to check the CCTV footage and register an FIR. That deadline has passed... yet no FIR is filed," Singh stated.
Escalating Protests and Political Support
The protest has gained significant political traction, with CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat joining the demonstration. Karat accused the police station of having a singular focus: "protecting a sexual harasser."
Due to the lack of response from the police, the victim and her supporters have decided to join a larger march from India Gate to demand justice. The CJP has vowed to continue raising these demands, calling the alleged behavior of the "monsters in uniform" unacceptable and demanding immediate disciplinary action against the accused personnel.