Delhi Police Issues Guidelines for Journalists Covering Gyanesh Kumar Protests Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

New Delhi: Delhi Police has issued guidelines for journalists covering protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The guidelines were shared through the official X account of Delhi Police.

The directions were issued against the backdrop of the alleged sexual assault of a woman journalist by Delhi ACP Vivek Bhagat and the controversy that followed. The post was shared with a note stating that the story is important and that how it is understood is equally important.

The main instruction for journalists covering the protests is to carry their identity cards at all times and wear them in a clearly visible manner. Journalists should not be positioned in a way that obstructs police action. They have also been advised to maintain a safe distance during confrontational situations.

Journalists have been instructed to choose positions for recording visuals from where they can be clearly distinguished from the protesters, among other guidelines.

The Delhi government had initially jailed the journalist who alleged that she was sexually assaulted by Vivek Bhagat and moved to promote the officer accused of the assault. However, amid growing controversy, the promotion process was put on hold.