On Monday, October 5, an order assigned the current duty charge of Additional DCP to 12 DANIPS officers, and Bhagat, who is ACP in Connaught Place, was one of them. Within hours, the order drew sharp criticism. The opposition and several critics asked how an officer facing a misconduct complaint could be given added responsibility just days after the incident.
DON'T MISS
The government’s defence was that the move was routine. Officials said the proposal to give the charge to the 12 officers began on August 25, well before the allegations came up. It was also pointed out that a current duty charge is an interim arrangement and does not by itself bring the regular seniority or pay of the post.
The Allegations
The journalist alleges that on October 3 she asked Bhagat why women police personnel were not present at the Jantar Mantar protest, and that he then sexually assaulted and pushed her. The Crime Branch is looking into the matter. Delhi Police has said female protesters are handled by female staff with dignity. It has also said one widely shared image purporting to show the officer’s misconduct was AI-generated and fake. The allegations remain under inquiry and have not been proven.
The Twist
On Tuesday, the government revised its order. Bhagat’s name was dropped, and the charge now covers the remaining 11 officers. Reports say he requested that he not take up the additional charge until the Crime Branch inquiry is complete.
The focus now shifts to the Crime Branch inquiry and whether an FIR is registered, as some are demanding. The opposition is likely to keep pressing the issue.
