Tensions remained at their peak in the national capital on Sunday as agitators continued to press demands for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Gyanesh Kumar for the third consecutive day. The All India Students’ Association (AISA) alleged that the outfit’s president, Neha Bora, was detained by cops in an unauthorised vehicle, besides claiming that no female police personnel were present in the vehicle at the time of the detention.
A still from the protests in Delhi
The organisation added to the allegations, saying that female journalist Rosy, who had been protesting against Delhi Police since Saturday evening after allegedly being sexually harassed by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Vivek Bhagat, was also among the ones detained by police.
AISA raises questions on Bora’s detention
In a video posted on their official ‘X’ handle, AISA alleged that Bora had been whisked away by Delhi Police in an unauthorised vehicle, in the absence of a female constable. Its post read, “Neha Bora has been picked up by Delhi Police in an unauthorised vehicle, without a single female constable!,” adding that the location of the vehicle and Bora’s whereabouts were initially unknown.
AISA President Neha Bora
AISA accused the Delhi Police of having ‘crossed all limits,’ besides levelling separate allegations regarding Rosy’s illegal detention for protesting against ACP Bhagat’s conduct.
In another post, the outfit wrote, “Delhi Police are the perpetrators, not the protectors.”
Activist Anjali Bhardwaj was also among the ones questioning the police’s conduct, and asked where Bora was being taken in what she called an ‘unmarked vehicle.’ Activist Yogendra Yadav also termed the incident ‘another illegality,’ alleging that no female police personnel were visible in the vehicle.
Cops deny allegations
In a parallel development, Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the pressure group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), also slammed the Delhi Police over the alleged detentions. Taking to ‘X,’ he called the incident ‘Delhi Police’s cowardice’ and alleged that both Bora and Rosy had been detained for speaking out.
Furthermore, he alleged that Rosy had been molested a day ago by ACP Bhagat and accused the police of detaining her instead of resorting to action against the officer. He also criticised Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, saying the episode had laid bare the reality behind claims of women’s empowerment.
However, hours after Bora’s detention, Delhi Police rejected the allegations, with a police official saying she had been detained in an official police vehicle and that female officers were accompanying the team which picked Bora. Simultaneously, Bora’s team confirmed that she had been released from detention at Narela Industrial Area police station. However, they added that she did not have her bag or cell phone with her.
Protests resume in Delhi
Neha Bora being detained by Delhi Police
The latest mobilisation kicked off from the Andhra Bhawan Circle on Ashoka Road, as protestors marched towards Jantar Mantar, while hailing slogans as they tried to reach the designated protest site amid heightened police presence.
Besides CEC Kumar’s resignation, the agitation is aimed at seeking action against those Delhi police personnel who allegedly harassed three women journalists during the October 3 protests.