Overview
- An October 5 order that gave 12 DANIPS officers the temporary current duty charge of Additional DCP was modified to remove ACP Vivek Bhagat after he asked not to assume the post while an inquiry proceeds.
- The altered order reissued the temporary charge to the 11 other officers named, while officials emphasized the current duty charge is a short-term administrative title that carries no extra pay or statutory powers.
- The complaints that triggered the review stem from three women journalists who said they were harassed while covering an October 3 protest at Jantar Mantar, and the matter has been transferred to the Delhi Police Crime Branch for investigation.
- Delhi Police has denied that women protesters were physically assaulted and has issued guidance telling reporters to carry visible organisational ID or PIB/DIP accreditation when covering protests.
- The assignment process began on August 25 and critics say the episode highlights rising tensions between police and journalists; what to watch next is the Crime Branch inquiry outcome and whether it leads to formal FIRs or administrative action.