Indian police detain 'cockroach' founder, student leaders ahead of Delhi rally

Press bodies, including the Indian Women’s Press Corps, the Press Club of India, Delhi Union of Journalists, Press Association, and Kerala Union of Journalists, have demanded the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against a Delhi police officer for allegedly sexually assaulting three women journalists at Jantar Mantar. The demand was made on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

The press bodies argue that no FIR has been registered against Shri Vivek Bhagat, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), despite his alleged sexual assault on the journalists on October 3, 2026. They assert that this is a clear violation of the law, which requires the police to register an FIR immediately upon receiving a complaint.

The press bodies also seek an impartial judicial inquiry into the charges against the Delhi police officer. They emphasize that as journalists, their primary duty is to report on events regardless of the circumstances, and they expect the police to ensure a safe environment for them to carry out their work.

The memorandum to Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar highlights the heavy-handed and brutal behavior of the police towards journalists during the protests near Jantar Mantar. The press bodies assert that this behavior is unacceptable and goes against the principles of professional conduct for both journalists and law enforcement authorities.