World · India Bureau
Delhi Police Officer Denies Harassment Charges, Claims Journalist Made Casteist Remarks
A Delhi Police ACP accused of harassment by a journalist has countered the allegations, claiming the woman made derogatory remarks about his caste during an encounter near Jantar Mantar. The incident has sparked a dispute between law enforcement and media personnel over conduct and language.
LSN India ·
ACP Vivek Bhagat has rejected allegations of harassment leveled against him by a journalist, instead asserting that he was performing official duties in the vicinity of Jantar Mantar when the confrontation occurred. According to Bhagat's account, the journalist made casteist remarks during their interaction, contradicting the narrative presented in the harassment complaint.
The incident has brought into focus tensions between Delhi Police and members of the press covering public gatherings and demonstrations in the capital. Jantar Mantar, a prominent venue for protests and public assemblies, frequently sees a police presence managing crowds and maintaining order.
Bhagat's counter-claim introduces questions about the nature of the exchange between the police officer and the journalist, with each party presenting conflicting versions of the encounter. The allegation of casteist language, if substantiated, would constitute a serious matter under Indian law, which prohibits caste-based discrimination and harassment.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about interactions between law enforcement personnel and media professionals in India, particularly during public events and demonstrations. How authorities handle such disputes will likely influence both police conduct standards and press freedom considerations in the capital.