Delhi Police ACP Accused by Woman Journalist Promoted to Additional DCP Charge

Delhi Police Officer Accused of Harassing Woman Journalist Gets Additional DCP Charge

New Delhi: Delhi Police ACP Vivek Bhagat, who has been accused of sexually harassing a woman journalist during a protest at Jantar Mantar, has been assigned the current duty charge of Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Additional DCP).

The order, issued on Monday, October 5, comes just two days after the October 3 protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, during which three women journalists alleged sexual harassment or inappropriate conduct by police personnel. Their complaints have been transferred to the Delhi Police Crime Branch, which is investigating the allegations. 

Bhagat, a 2018-batch DANIPS officer currently serving as SDPO, Connaught Place, is among 12 Selection Grade DANIPS officers assigned the current duty charge of Additional DCP. The arrangement is temporary and will continue until the Ministry of Home Affairs fills the posts on a regular basis. 

The order also clarifies that the officers holding the additional charge will perform routine duties but will not acquire the statutory powers, seniority, pay or allowances attached to the Additional DCP post. The arrangement will not affect their inter-se seniority or date of regular promotion. 

One of the journalists specifically accused ACP Bhagat of sexually assaulting her while she was questioning police action during the protest. The allegations have not been established, and the Crime Branch is examining the complaints, statements and CCTV footage as part of the inquiry. 

The timing of the order has drawn attention because it coincides with the ongoing investigation into the allegations.