# Journalist harassment and massive security crackdown in New- > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/journalist-harassment-and-detention-in-india > Updated: 2026-10-19T00:34:37.000Z. Sources: 34. Developments: 6. Legal battles regarding press freedom and police conduct have escalated in New Delhi following protests against the Election Commission of India’s voter list revisions. The Delhi Union of Journalists and other press freedom groups have accused the Delhi Police of suppressing media activity through the detention and assault of reporters. Legal petitions have been filed with the Supreme Court of India challenging the de-notification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. These petitions also seek protections for journalists who claim they were forcibly removed and prevented from documenting demonstrations. In response, Delhi Police filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court defending their actions—including regulating Metro services and restricting mobile internet—as “proportionate to maintain public order,” while alleging that organizers failed to seek necessary permissions. In a counter-development, Assistant Commissioner of Police Vivek Bhagat has filed a First Information Report (FIR) under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Bhagat alleges that an independent journalist made casteist remarks against him and obstructed his official duties during the October 3 protests. This filing follows previous allegations made by a journalist accusing the officer of sexual assault, a matter currently under investigation by the Crime Branch. Recent developments have seen the unrest expand to include allegations of gender-based violence. Women’s rights and queer organizations, including the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA), marched to the Delhi Police Headquarters to demand disciplinary action against personnel accused of sexual harassment and physical violence against women and transgender protesters. CPI leader Annie Raja accused the government of using sexual assault as a weapon to silence women participating in public protests, noting an increase in reported misconduct since early October. Protests have since intensified as demonstrators claim the disenfranchisement of 130 million voters. ## Claims - ACP Vivek Bhagat filed an FIR against a journalist alleging she used casteist slurs and obstructed his official duties during a protest. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Women's groups marched to the Delhi Police Headquarters to demand action against police personnel accused of sexual assault and harassment. (corroborated by 5 sources) - More than 30 journalists were reportedly detained or assaulted by police while covering youth protests in New Delhi. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Protesters are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar due to the controversial revision of electoral rolls. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Alleged instances of sexual and gender-based violence against women and transgender protesters have been documented since July 20. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Reports of sexual violence against protesters increased after October 2. (corroborated by 3 sources) - A delegation of women's and queer groups met with Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Jagdev Singh. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Police in Delhi reportedly required PIB accreditation to cover protests. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Delhi Police implemented metro restrictions and requested internet suspensions as proportionate measures to maintain public order during protests. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Delhi Police de-notified Jantar Mantar as an authorized protest site, designating Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground as alternatives. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Supreme Court issued notices regarding contempt petitions involving police actions and metro service closures during recent protests. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Security forces detained over 100 people, including two Members of Parliament, during marches in central Delhi. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-19: Protests in Delhi trigger massive security crackdown and detentions Massive security deployments and over 7,000 detentions have occurred in Delhi as protesters demonstrate against voter disenfranchisement, leading to widespread transport and communication disruptions. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/protests-in-delhi-trigger-massive-security-crackdown-and-detentions ### 2026-10-18: Delhi police crackdown on journalists and protesters in India Delhi police have reportedly detained and assaulted journalists and content creators during youth-led protests sparked by reports of mass voter list removals. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/delhi-police-crackdown-on-journalists-and-protesters-in-india ### 2026-10-17: Delhi Police HQ protested over alleged sexual violence against demonstrators Women's groups marched to Delhi Police HQ to demand action against officers accused of sexual violence and harassment during protests against electoral roll revisions. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/womens-groups-march-to-delhi-police-hq-over-sexual-violence-allegations ### 2026-10-13: Delhi Police defend security measures and Metro curbs in Supreme Court Delhi faces intense protests over electoral roll revisions, leading to police crackdowns, journalist detentions, and Supreme Court contempt proceedings regarding Metro restrictions and protest site de-notificat 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/journalists-move-supreme-court-over-alleged-police-violence-in-delhi ### 2026-10-10: Journalists detained during Delhi protests and in Haryana Press organizations and lawmakers are condemning the detention of journalists in Delhi during protests and the reported arrest of Living India News editors by Haryana Police. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/journalists-detained-during-delhi-protests-and-in-haryana ### 2026-10-08: Delhi Police face allegations of journalist harassment Three female journalists have filed complaints against Delhi Police alleging manhandling and sexual harassment during a New Delhi protest, prompting calls for an inquiry from major press bodies. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/delhi-police-face-allegations-of-journalist-harassment --- Cite as: Journalist harassment and massive security crackdown in New-. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/journalist-harassment-and-detention-in-india