New Delhi, Delhi
The political controversy over the alleged mistreatment of women journalists and protesters during a demonstration at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on October 3 has intensified. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Shashi Tharoor, and the Aam Aadmi Party have questioned the Delhi Police’s actions and demanded action in the matter.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor condemned the alleged police action against women protesters and journalists. He said it was deeply shameful that women protesting against violence against women themselves became victims of alleged violence by police personnel.
A video shared by student leader Neha Bora also raised questions about the Delhi Police’s actions. The video called for a “Citizens’ March” from India Gate to Jantar Mantar on October 4. The march was reportedly planned to protest against the Delhi Police and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra raised the issue of the alleged mistreatment of women journalists and protesters at Jantar Mantar. She said women journalists covering the protest had made serious allegations of sexual harassment against police personnel. Women participating in the protest also complained of alleged inappropriate behavior by the police.
Priyanka Gandhi questioned how women could feel safe if the very police force responsible for their protection made them feel unsafe. She urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take cognizance of the matter.
Congress leader Pawan Khera also demanded that an FIR be registered and that action be taken against the police personnel allegedly responsible. Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj and party workers protested outside Parliament Street Police Station, demanding the registration of an FIR.
