What began as protests over India’s voter rolls has now raised a more troubling question: who protects those documenting the unrest?
Three female journalists have accused Delhi police officers of sexual harassment, including inappropriate touching.
During demonstrations calling for Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
Police said the complaint had been sent to the crime branch for a “fair and impartial” inquiry.
Thousands gathered in Delhi and Mumbai for a third day, challenging a voter-roll revision that has removed about 130 million names.
The Election Commission says the changes are meant to eliminate duplicate and ineligible registrations.
Protests Draw Official Backlash
These include people who have died, moved abroad or changed addresses.
But opposition parties say the process could benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP, an accusation both the government and Election Commission reject.
Videos showed police dragging protesters away from the Jantar Mantar site.
Activist Aahna Singh told Reuters, “Police dragged me by my hair,” describing the response as “brutality.”
The Press Club of India said it was “shocked and dismayed,” insisting journalists must be able to work without fear.
Meanwhile, reports of disagreements among election commissioners have intensified calls for Kumar to resign.
With trust already under pressure, the bigger question is simple: can a democracy afford to silence those asking difficult questions?
