In brief
Three women journalists reported sexual harassment by Delhi police officers while taking part in a protest over the Election Commission’s voter‑roll revision. The protests, sparked by demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, have drawn thousands in Delhi and Mumbai. Police have said the complaints are being referred to the crime branch for an impartial inquiry. The incident highlights growing concerns about press freedom and women's safety amid political unrest in India.
In a recent protest in Delhi, three female journalists have accused Delhi police of sexual harassment while trying to cover demonstrations against the Election Commission’s voter‑roll overhaul.
The protest emerged after police detained supporters of a satirical movement demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over large‑scale changes to voter rolls. Protesters claim the revisions favour the ruling party, while the Commission says it is removing duplicate and ineligible entries.
The journalists say police officers performed inappropriate touching and forced them to move by hair. A Delhi Police spokesperson said the complaint was transferred to the crime branch for a fair inquiry.
Opposition leaders have voiced concern that police brutality threatens civil liberties, adding that women feel unsafe at such events. The protests, now in their third day, could impact the political climate ahead of upcoming elections.
The incident underscores the essential role of a free press in holding authorities accountable, especially in a context where democratic participation is linked to societal resilience and sustainable development.
