Three women journalists have alleged sexual harassment and manhandling during the October 3 protest near Jantar Mantar. One complainant specifically named ACP Vivek Bhagat. The complaints have been transferred to the Crime Branch for inquiry. Amid the probe, Bhagat requested withdrawal of his temporary Additional DCP current duty charge, following which the Delhi government modified its October 5 order.
- What Triggered the Vivek Bhagat Controversy?
- ACP Bhagat Requests Withdrawal of Additional DCP Charge
- Delhi Government Explains October 5 Order
- The 12 Officers Named in the Original Order
- Why Bhagat’s Inclusion Drew Attention
- Crime Branch Examines Journalists’ Complaints
- Delhi Police Responds to Protest-Related Allegations
- Separate Case Over Fabricated Video
- What Happens Next in the Bhagat Case?
- Investigation Remains the Key Development
- Fear of God Encourages Truthful Conduct
What Triggered the Vivek Bhagat Controversy?
The controversy followed an October 3 protest near Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the functioning of the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Three women journalists covering the police action during the protest complained of alleged sexual harassment and manhandling. One of the complainants specifically alleged that Vivek Bhagat touched her inappropriately while she was covering the police action.
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The complaints were received by the Delhi Police and transferred to the Crime Branch for a “fair and impartial” inquiry. The allegations remain under investigation.
ACP Bhagat Requests Withdrawal of Additional DCP Charge
Vivek Bhagat, who is posted as Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Connaught Place, was among 12 Selection Grade DANIPS officers assigned the current duty charge (CDC) of Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police.
After his inclusion in the order, Bhagat requested that he will not avail the temporary charge until the inquiry into the alleged harassment of women journalists had been fully conducted and satisfactorily concluded.
The Delhi government subsequently modified its October 5 order and said the current duty charge would be reassigned to the remaining 11 officers. The government described Bhagat’s decision as one taken “of his own volition”.
Delhi Government Explains October 5 Order
The administration clarified that the proposal to assign the Additional DCP current duty charge to 12 Selection Grade DANIPS officers had been initiated on August 25, before the October 3 protest and the allegations concerning Bhagat.
The government issued the orders on October 5 following the necessary approval.
The government also clarified that the arrangement was temporary and administrative in nature. It carried no financial benefit, while officers given the current duty charge could not exercise the statutory powers of regular incumbents.
The arrangement would continue until the Ministry of Home Affairs fills the Additional DCP posts on a regular basis. It could also be discontinued at any time without assigning any reason.
The 12 Officers Named in the Original Order
The October 5 order assigned the current duty charge to 12 Selection Grade DANIPS officers:
| Officer | Status after modification |
| Dr Vikas Sheokand | Remains |
| A Venkatesh | Remains |
| Gursewak Singh | Remains |
| Renu Lata | Remains |
| Vidushi Kaushik | Remains |
| Manu Himanshu | Remains |
| Sakaria Mihir Pravinbhai | Remains |
| Garima Tiwari | Remains |
| Vivek Bhagat | Withdrawn |
| Ashish Kumar | Remains |
| Manish Ladla | Remains |
| Rohit Gupta | Remains |
The revised order is to be issued for the remaining 11 officers.
Why Bhagat’s Inclusion Drew Attention
Bhagat’s inclusion in the October 5 administrative order attracted criticism because one of the journalists who complained about alleged sexual harassment during the October 3 protest had specifically named him.
The government’s clarification said the proposal for the 12 officers had originated on August 25, before the present allegations emerged. It subsequently modified the order after Bhagat formally requested not to take up the current duty charge while the inquiry was pending.
The temporary CDC should not be treated as a regular promotion. The government specifically described it as an interim administrative arrangement with no financial benefit and without the statutory powers of regular Additional DCP incumbents.
Crime Branch Examines Journalists’ Complaints
The three complaints concerning alleged harassment and manhandling have been sent to the Crime Branch for further inquiry.
The complaints relate to the journalists’ experience while covering police action during the Jantar Mantar protest. One complaint specifically names Bhagat and alleges inappropriate touching. At this stage, the allegations have not been established through the inquiry. The Crime Branch investigation remains the relevant process for examining the complaints.
Delhi Police Responds to Protest-Related Allegations
Amid the controversy, Delhi Police rejected allegations of assault against female protesters as “baseless and misleading” and said women protesters were treated with dignity.
The force also issued guidelines concerning journalists covering protests. These included carrying and visibly displaying valid organisational identity cards or valid Press Information Bureau or Delhi Information and Publicity accreditation cards.
Journalists were also advised not to interfere with police operations and to maintain a safe distance during tense situations.
Separate Case Over Fabricated Video
A separate development involved a fabricated and manipulated video allegedly circulated online while falsely projecting Vivek Bhagat.
Delhi Police said a 24-year-old independent journalist was arrested in connection with the circulation of the video on Instagram and Facebook. According to the police account reported by The Indian Express, the video was presented as CCTV footage and used Bhagat’s photograph, name and designation.
This case is separate from the complaints filed by the women journalists. The harassment complaints are being examined by the Crime Branch, while the fabricated-video matter is being investigated separately by Cyber Police.
What Happens Next in the Bhagat Case?
The immediate administrative decision is that Vivek Bhagat will not avail the temporary Additional DCP current duty charge while the inquiry into the alleged harassment of women journalists continues.
The other 11 officers will continue under the modified administrative arrangement. Meanwhile, the Crime Branch inquiry into the three journalists’ complaints remains pending, and the separate investigation into the alleged fabricated video continues.
Investigation Remains the Key Development
The central issue now is the ongoing Crime Branch inquiry into the complaints arising from the October 3 protest. Bhagat has stepped aside from the temporary Additional DCP charge pending the inquiry, while the Delhi government has clarified the administrative background of the original order. The separate fabricated-video case does not determine the outcome of the harassment complaints, which remain under investigation.
Fear of God Encourages Truthful Conduct
The incident also offers a broader spiritual reflection on the importance of truth, responsibility and accountability in human conduct. Whether a person is a man or a woman, actions driven by the desire for attention, virality or personal gain can create serious consequences when truth and conscience are ignored.
A person should remain mindful that every action carries moral responsibility. According to the spiritual teachings of Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, one should fear God, follow Satbhakti and live truthfully so that the Supreme God is pleased.
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