The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a detailed report from the Delhi Police Commissioner over allegations that three women were harassed and sexually mistreated during a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on October 3. The commission took suo motu cognisance of media reports and has given the police two weeks to respond.
According to the NHRC, the allegations involve three police personnel, including an assistant commissioner of police. The commission said that if the allegations reported in the media are found to be true, the matter would constitute a serious violation of human rights.
The protest was held against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The report published by Jagran said complaints relating to the alleged misconduct had been received by the New Delhi district police. The allegations have not been established, and the NHRC’s request is intended to obtain the status of the investigation and the action taken on the complaints.
The commission said it learned about the allegations through media reports published on October 5. It has asked the Delhi Police Commissioner to provide details of the investigation, the action taken on the complaints and other relevant facts within two weeks.
The case was subsequently handed over to the Delhi Police Crime Branch for investigation, according to the report. The NHRC’s notice therefore places the handling of the complaints, including the transfer of the inquiry and its current status, under scrutiny by the national rights body.
Jantar Mantar is a designated site for public demonstrations in central Delhi, where protests bring together demonstrators, police personnel and other public authorities in a closely managed urban space. The allegations raise questions about the safeguards available to women participating in demonstrations and the accountability mechanisms used when complaints involve police personnel.
The NHRC has not ruled on the allegations. Its next formal step will depend on the detailed report sought from the Delhi Police, including information on the investigation and action taken on the complaints.
