The complaint came after the Delhi government withdrew Bhagat's temporary promotion to Additional DCP, a decision that had been in motion before the allegations surfaced. Bhagat, an ACP from the DANIPS cadre, had already been embroiled in a physical altercation with a mob during a CJP protest in June, sustaining serious injuries. The incident drew media attention and raised questions about his conduct in high‑visibility operations.
Bhagat alleges that a woman journalist—identified in the FIR as a reporter for an unnamed outlet—publicly branded him a "sexual predator" and used caste‑based epithets while he was performing routine duties at Jantar Mantar on Oct. 3. He claims the journalist, along with CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, circulated the allegations on X and Instagram, damaging his reputation and mental well‑being.
The First Information Report, filed by Bhagat, cites sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the Criminal Procedure Code and the Indian Penal Code for defamation. It also notes that the sexual harassment claim has been transferred to the Delhi Police Crime Branch for further inquiry.
CJP spokespersons have denied any formal complaint and say the allegations are part of a broader political campaign against law‑enforcement officers. Social media posts from the journalist and the CJP leaders have already trended in Delhi, prompting calls from some quarters for a swift investigation.
The Delhi Police Crime Branch is set to conduct a preliminary inquiry before deciding whether to file charges. Bhagat has requested to remain off active duty until the investigation concludes, and the Delhi government has indicated that the pending case will be monitored closely.