Protests demanding the resignation of India’s election chief entered a third day on Sunday, as police investigated allegations of sexual harassment against officers during demonstrations in New Delhi.
Demonstrators have called for Election Commission of India chief Gyanesh Kumar to step down over alleged irregularities in a large-scale revision of voter rolls. The Election Commission has rejected the allegations, while Kumar has not publicly commented.
Thousands of protesters gathered in Mumbai on Sunday, with demonstrators including supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical political movement that emerged online earlier this year.
In New Delhi, activists also gathered outside a police station to demand action over allegations made following Saturday’s protests at Jantar Mantar.
Delhi Police said three female journalists had made allegations of sexual harassment against police officers during the demonstrations and that the complaints would be subject to a “fair and impartial enquiry.”
One of the complainants alleged on social media that a police officer pushed her and touched her inappropriately.
The protests began on Friday over the voter-roll revision and calls for Kumar’s resignation. Opposition politicians have accused the Election Commission of acting in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, an allegation rejected by the commission.
Opposition groups have announced plans to march to the Election Commission in New Delhi on Tuesday, followed by “Save Democracy” rallies across the country.
The CJP has also called for a larger mobilisation in New Delhi on October 10.
You Might Also Like
