Delhi Police officer Vivek Bhagat’s promotion to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police has taken an unexpected turn after he himself asked the Police Commissioner to keep the order concerning him on hold. His request comes as the Crime Branch investigates sexual harassment and misconduct allegations made against him following a protest at Jantar Mantar.
Bhagat, currently serving as Sub-Divisional Police Officer at Connaught Place Police Station, was among 12 officers promoted to Additional DCP through an order issued on October 5.
In a letter to the Delhi Police Commissioner, Bhagat referred to the pending Crime Branch enquiry and gave his consent for his promotion order to be put on hold.
Why Vivek Bhagat’s Promotion Drew Criticism
The promotion was described by police officials as part of a routine process linked to Bhagat’s service and unrelated to the ongoing controversy. However, its timing triggered criticism from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has levelled allegations against him.
CJP co-convener Saurav Das has accused Bhagat of groping a woman journalist during a protest at Jantar Mantar and demanded his suspension and registration of an FIR. CJP founder and convener Abhijeet Dipke has also alleged that police initially refused to register an FIR based on the woman’s complaint.
The allegations remain under enquiry and have not been established as findings against Bhagat.
Three complaints alleging sexual harassment and manhandling by Delhi Police personnel were transferred to the Crime Branch on October 4 for what police described as a “fair and impartial inquiry”.
Police Say AI-Generated CCTV Video Was Fabricated
In a separate development, Delhi Police said on Tuesday that it had arrested a Haryana resident accused of circulating fabricated CCTV footage online that allegedly portrayed Bhagat in a misleading manner.
Police said the footage was created using AI tools and alleged that it was intended to damage the force’s reputation and provoke unrest. An FIR was registered after the content was flagged by the Cyber Police Station of New Delhi district.
Promotion Order Covered 12 Officers
Apart from Bhagat, 11 other Delhi Police officers were promoted to Additional DCP under the October 5 order. A senior police official said the promotions were routine and that the proposal had been submitted earlier.
Bhagat’s request now leaves his elevation uncertain while the Crime Branch enquiry continues. There has been no official communication from the Delhi Police Commissioner on whether his request to hold the promotion has been accepted.
Relevant Link: Delhi Police Official Website
Conversation
Be kind and stay on topic. Comments are moderated; abuse, spam and personal attacks are removed. Report a problem