New Delhi: Security was tightened in the capital Delhi on Sunday. Two protest marches are planned from India Gate to Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Delhi Police has deployed approximately 5,000 security personnel, including personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and other paramilitary forces.
The protests come amid allegations of sexual harassment leveled by three female journalists against police officers during a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 3. Delhi Police stated that the complaints from the female journalists have been referred to the Crime Branch for investigation.
Protests will also be held on the issue of women’s safety
A Citizens’ March, led by the All India Students’ Association (AISA), is scheduled to be held from India Gate to Jantar Mantar at 3 pm. The organization stated that the issue of women’s safety will also be raised during the march.
AISA alleged on social media that female students and journalists were allegedly mistreated and assaulted by the police during the previous protest. The organization has questioned the police action.
Youth Congress March at 5 PM
The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) has also announced a march at 5 PM on the same route. The organization has announced the protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
According to the police, permission has not been granted for both marches from India Gate to Jantar Mantar. Despite this, a large gathering is expected. Protests have been ongoing in the capital for the past three days over issues related to the Election Commission.
3 Female Journalists Allege Sexual Harassment
Three female journalists covering the protest at Jantar Mantar on October 3 have accused police officers of sexual harassment. The journalists allege that the policemen on duty allegedly behaved inappropriately with them and touched them inappropriately during the protest.
Delhi Police stated that the New Delhi District Police has received complaints from three female journalists and they have been handed over to the Crime Branch for a fair and thorough investigation.
Following these allegations, several independent journalists and social media users protested outside the Parliament Street Police Station, demanding the registration of an FIR against the accused police officers.
Security increased around Jantar Mantar
In view of the protest, police vehicles and PCR vans have been deployed on the roads leading to Jantar Mantar. Police stated that the DCP (New Delhi) office is monitoring the situation through CCTV cameras.
Drones may also be used to monitor the crowd and assess security arrangements if necessary. Police personnel have been equipped with anti-riot equipment. According to officials, the Home Ministry has also been informed about the security arrangements.
Questions raised against CEC Gyanesh Kumar regarding SIR
The protests are primarily related to the controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists and the demand for the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
An investigation report claimed that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on several occasions regarding decisions and procedures related to SIR.
However, the Election Commission has rejected these claims, stating that important decisions, including SIR, were taken unanimously by the entire Commission.