The Delhi Police registered an FIR on October 13 against three journalists and individuals associated with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), including its founder Abhijeet Dipke and members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, following a complaint by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vivek Bhagat. The case, registered at Parliament Street police station, invokes provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Bhagat alleged that caste-based remarks were made against him during an October 3 protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and that subsequent social media posts damaged his reputation. The development follows a separate complaint by a woman journalist accusing Bhagat of sexual harassment and manhandling during the same protest. Her complaint was transferred to the Delhi Police Crime Branch for further inquiry. Both sets of allegations remain subject to investigation.
What Does The FIR Allege?
According to the complaint, Bhagat was deployed near the Buta Singh Roundabout on October 3 to maintain law and order during a demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Bhagat alleged that independent journalist Rosy made derogatory remarks about his Megh/Mehgwal caste while referring to his nameplate and questioning his appointment as an ACP. He claimed that he initially ignored the remarks and continued with his duties. Later that afternoon, Rosy accused him of sexual assault during the handling and detention of protesters.
Bhagat alleged that she and others confronted him, obstructing his official work. He also claimed that protest slogans and posts shared on social media, including on X and Instagram, portrayed him as a sexual predator and damaged his reputation. The FIR invokes Section 221 of the BNS, concerning obstruction of a public servant, Section 356(2), concerning defamation, and Section 3(5), relating to common intention, alongside provisions of the SC/ST Act. These claims are allegations recorded in the complaint, not established findings.
Three Journalists Booked; Separate Complaint Under Inquiry
The FIR reportedly names three journalists, including Rosy, who accused Bhagat of sexual harassment, and Gajendra Singh, along with individuals associated with CJP. According to India Today, the complaint also names CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka, Saurav Das and Ratna Singh in connection with the alleged caste-based remarks and circulation of social media content. However, the exact role attributed to each individual should be verified against the FIR and official records. The case follows complaints by three women journalists alleging sexual harassment and manhandling by police personnel during the October 3 protest.
Delhi Police said the complaints were forwarded to the Crime Branch for further inquiry, and officials indicated that statements and CCTV footage would be examined. As of October 15, reports stated that no FIR had been registered on the woman journalist’s sexual harassment complaint, although an inquiry was underway. The Delhi government also withheld Bhagat’s temporary additional Deputy Commissioner of Police assignment pending the inquiry. In a statement reported by NDTV, Bhagat said he had requested not to take up the assignment until the inquiry into the allegations of harassment of women journalists was satisfactorily concluded.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This case raises serious questions about caste-based discrimination, police accountability, press freedom and the safety of journalists covering public protests. Allegations of caste-based humiliation must be investigated fairly, just as accusations of sexual harassment and physical misconduct must be examined without delay or prejudice. Neither a police complaint nor an FIR establishes guilt, and every person involved is entitled to due process.
Authorities must examine witness statements, available footage and other evidence impartially, while protecting complainants from intimidation and ensuring that public officials are not shielded from scrutiny. Journalists must be able to report on protests without fear of harassment, while allegations made against individuals must be assessed through a fair legal process rather than settled through online accusations or public pressure. The Logical Indian believes that accountability, dignity and the rule of law must guide every such investigation. How can the police ensure a fair investigation that protects both the rights of journalists and the accountability of public officials?
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