NEW DELHI, OCT 17 (AGENCIES): Women’s groups and activists on Saturday marched to Delhi Police Headquarters, demanding prosecution of police personnel accused of sexually assaulting and harassing women and transgender protesters during demonstrations against the Election Commission.
Carrying placards and banners, the protesters marched from near Gurudwara Bangla Sahib to submit a memorandum demanding accountability for alleged sexual and gender-based violence. They also sought Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged electoral irregularities.
In a statement, the organisations said videos, photographs and personal accounts documented alleged sexual harassment and physical violence against women, transgender and non-binary protesters during police action since July 20, with reports intensifying from October 2.
They cited footage purportedly showing male police personnel assaulting women and alleged sexual violence inside detention buses and centres. A young woman journalist also alleged that an assistant commissioner of police-rank officer grabbed her breasts. The groups claimed she was detained and an FIR registered against her and others when she attempted to file a complaint. They alleged casteist, communal and gender-based abuse and accused authorities of failing to act. They demanded strict disciplinary and legal action against personnel found guilty, stressing that women and gender-diverse people must participate in public and political life without fear.
The protest was organised by AIDWA, NFIW, AIPWA, AIMSS and other women’s and students’ organisations.
