Indian police accused of sexual harassment against journalists at protest

What the report says

Three female journalists in India have accused police officers of sexual harassment during protests in Delhi, according to BBC World News. The allegations emerged after police detained dozens of demonstrators who were demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over disputed changes to voter rolls.

BBC said the complaints were made on Saturday as officers moved to clear protests in central Delhi, including at Jantar Mantar. Videos shared online reportedly showed protesters being forcibly removed, and one activist told Reuters that police had dragged her by the hair. The journalists’ claims include inappropriate touching, while the Delhi Police said the complaint had been received by its New Delhi district and referred to the crime branch for a “fair and impartial” inquiry.

The protests continued on Sunday in Delhi and Mumbai, with thousands of people calling for Kumar to step down. Demonstrators say the voter-roll revision could favor Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, while the Election Commission says the process is meant to remove duplicate and ineligible entries. BBC also reported that opposition leader Rahul Gandhi urged the home ministry to respond, saying women fear for their safety.

The dispute is part of a broader controversy over India’s electoral roll overhaul, which has drawn criticism from opposition figures and protest groups in recent months.