India police investigate sexual harassment allegations during protests against election commission

Members of the Communist Party of India’s student wing are detained by police as they shout slogans during a protest against India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, condemning alleged electoral malpractices in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, in New Delhi October 2, 2026. — AFP pic

First Published: Sunday, 04 Oct 2026 4:44 PM MYT

NEW DELHI, Oct 4 — Indian police launched an investigation today into allegations of sexual harassment against officers during protests in the capital against the country’s election commission.

Protests began on Friday demanding the Election Commission of India (ECI) chief Gyanesh Kumar step down, alleging wrongdoing during a large-scale voter-roll revision that has struck millions of names from the lists.

The ECI has rejected allegations of wrongdoing. Kumar himself has not commented.

The harassment allegations were made yesterday when police detained scores of protestors around the government-designated protest site of Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

“Allegations of sexual harassment were made by three female journalists against police officers,” Delhi police said in a statement, promising “a fair and impartial enquiry”.

In a video posted on social media, a complainant said that a police officer pushed and touched her “inappropriately”.

A third day of protests is slated in the capital today, including by left-wing groups and supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) — which began in May as a satirical online movement, succeeding in its campaign to oust the then education minister.

CJP chief Abhijeet Dipke, who warned against a police crackdown and detentions yesterday, said that the accused officer “must be arrested immediately”.

Neha Bora, an activist from a left-wing student organisation, called for protesters to march to New Delhi’s central India Gate.

“From Streets to Protests, Women Are NOT SAFE!,” she said in a post on social media.

Opposition politicians have accused the ECI of acting at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

They have said they will march to the Election Commission in New Delhi on Tuesday, and hold “Save Democracy” rallies countrywide afterwards.

The CJP has called for a “massive mobilisation of young Indians” in New Delhi on October 10. — AFP

* If you are experiencing sexual violence, the following hotlines offer free and confidential support: Talian Kasih at 15999 or WhatsApp 019-2615999 (24/7); All Women’s Action Society at 016-2374221/016-2284221 (9.30am-5.30pm); and Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) at 03-30008858 or SMS/WhatsApp TINA 018-9888058 (24/7)