JNU protest: 2 cops suspended for manhandling journalist

One woman constable and a head constable (male) of Delhi Armed Police (DAP) were suspended on Sunday, for mishandling a photo journalist's camera who was covering the protest by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students, on March 23.

On the basis of complaint filed by the photo journalist, who had alleged snatching of her camera, a case was registered and taken up for investigation.

On the basis of a preliminary inquiry, the constables were suspended for their unprofessional conduct during crowd control at the protest, the Delhi police said.

Further vigilance inquiry in the matter is underway.

Earlier, the Delhi Police on Saturday apologised for the mandhandling incident.

"Police used water cannons to disperse protesters who were trying to break barricades. Lady constable wasn't aware the woman is a  photojournalist. It was a misunderstanding & unfortunate. We will inquire," said Delhi Police PRO Madhur Verma.

Earlier, a woman journalist filed a complaint alleging molestation by the Delhi Cantt Station House Officer (SHO) during the JNU protest march. She also alleged that another female photo journalist was also manhandled by female cop during the protest. 

"They took my camera and did not return it. I told them I am from the media, but they were just pulling me away," said the photographer.

A video of police thrashing a female photographer even as she kept telling them that she was from the media also went viral on the social media. "While a female journalist was molested by an SHO, another female cameraperson was brutally thrashed by the police while she was trying to capture the incident. Her camera was also snatched," said one of the journalists. The female journalist later filed a police complaint against the station house officer.

The JNU Teachers' Association (JNUTU) and students on Friday marched to demand suspension of Professor Atul Johri, who has been accused of sexual harassment by eight students.

The JNU teachers are protesting against the removal of several department heads and a coordinator for not complying with the university's new attendance rules, and a number of them are on a hunger strike.

The Delhi police on Friday ordered a lathi charge and fired water cannons on thousands of Jawaharlal Nehru University students and teachers near INA market. They were marching towards Parliament to protest the removal of several department heads and a coordinator for not complying with the university's new attendance rules.

With ANI Inputs)