FIR Filed After Delhi ACP Accused of Sexual Harassment Alleges Casteist Abuse by Journalist

Delhi ACP Files FIR Against Journalist Over Alleged Casteist Slurs, Defamation; Sexual Assault Case Under Probe

Delhi Police has registered a case against an independent journalist and several others following a complaint by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vivek Bhagat, who accused them of caste-based insults, intimidation, obstruction of official duty and defamation during a protest near Jantar Mantar on October 3.

The FIR was registered at Parliament Street police station. According to the complaint, Bhagat, who is posted in the Connaught Place subdivision of New Delhi district, was deployed to manage law and order during a protest against the Election Commission of India near Buta Singh Roundabout.

Bhagat alleged that the journalist made derogatory remarks about his caste identity and questioned his appointment as an ACP. He stated that he belongs to the Scheduled Caste community and that he and his operator, Constable Ravi Dahiya, heard the alleged remarks in public.

The complaint refers to comments allegedly targeting Bhagat’s Megh/Mehgwal caste and his nameplate. The ACP said he initially ignored the remarks and continued carrying out his official duties.

ACP Claims Journalist Disrupted Official Duty

According to Bhagat’s complaint, the incident escalated around 3 pm when he was facilitating the movement of a bus carrying detained protesters. He alleged that the journalist accused him of sexually assaulting her during this period.

The FIR further claims that the journalist and her colleagues repeatedly confronted Bhagat, affecting his ability to perform his official responsibilities.

The complaint alleges that the confrontation continued into the evening, when the journalist, Gajender Singh and others gathered outside Parliament Street police station at around 6.15 pm. Bhagat claimed that the group raised slogans against him and publicly described him as a “sexual predator” and a potential rapist.

These allegations have been recorded in the ACP’s complaint and remain subject to investigation.

ACP Alleges Defamatory Posts on X and Instagram

Bhagat also alleged that videos, reels and posts accusing him of sexual misconduct were circulated on social media platforms, including X and Instagram.

The FIR names the journalist, identified as Rosy, along with Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka, Saurav Das and Ratna Singh in connection with the alleged online posts.

According to the complaint, the content portrayed Bhagat as a sexual predator, causing him mental distress and harming his reputation.

The ACP sought action under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

FIR Registered Under BNS, SC/ST Act

The case has been registered under Sections 221, 356(2) and 3(5) of the BNS, concerning obstruction of a public servant in the discharge of official functions, defamation and common intention.

The FIR also invokes Sections 3(1)(p), 3(1)(q), 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

According to the FIR, a prima facie case was found under the cited provisions. Further investigation was assigned to ACP Ajay Sharma of Parliament Street police station on the directions of senior officers.

Journalist’s Sexual Assault Allegation Being Examined Separately

The FIR against the journalist and others comes amid a separate complaint in which she accused ACP Vivek Bhagat of sexual assault.

According to PTI, the journalist’s complaint was transferred to the Delhi Police Crime Branch and was under enquiry.

The two complaints are being examined through separate investigative processes. The ACP’s allegations of caste-based abuse, obstruction and defamation have not been proven in court, while the sexual assault allegation against him remains under investigation.