Delhi police orders probe into sexual harassment allegations against officers at protest
Delhi Police detained approximately 700 people from Jantar Mantar on Friday afternoon during protests against the Election Commission and its chief Gyanesh Kumar. Among those detained were ex-Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, All India Students' Association (AISA) National President Neha Bora, former minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, activists Yogendra Yadav and Aishe Ghosh, and Left leaders including Brinda Karat. The protesters, which included Congress workers and AISA activists, gathered demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
Delhi Police had refused permission for the protest on Thursday, issuing a statement warning against gatherings of five or more people or crowds chanting and sloganeering. In a video message, Bharadwaj criticized the denial, stating that protesting is a democratic right despite police claiming permission had not been granted, even though AAP had applied for permission six days prior. India Youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu Chib announced plans to gherao the EC office, asserting that the Election Commission must be held accountable over electoral decisions and the sanctity of votes.
Police picked up people gathered in groups of 10 or more and moved them away in buses to Badarpur police station and Outer North Delhi police stations. Delhi Metro temporarily closed entry and exit at 12 stations in central Delhi, including Rajiv Chowk and Central Secretariat. Internet services were suspended at the protest site and nearby areas.
