Why 'पत्रकार' Trended in India: Delhi Police ACP Vivek Bhagat Controversy Explained

In early October 2026, the Hindi term for journalist, 'पत्रकार', saw a significant surge in search interest across India. According to Google Trends, searches for the term grew by 300% on October 7, 2026. This spike was driven by a series of escalating events in Delhi involving allegations of sexual harassment against a senior police officer, a disputed administrative charge, and a subsequent crackdown on protesters.

Sexual Harassment Allegations Against ACP Vivek Bhagat

The controversy began during protests at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. As reported by BBC Hindi on October 6, 2026, multiple women, including two journalists and a protester, alleged misconduct by police personnel. Specifically, a woman journalist accused Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vivek Bhagat, the SDPO of Connaught Place, of physically assaulting her by striking her chest and pushing her during the event.

While reports on the exact date of the incident varied—with some citing October 2 and others October 3—the complaints were filed at the Parliament Street police station. The Delhi Police subsequently transferred these complaints to the Crime Branch for a formal inquiry.

The Promotion and 'Current Duty Charge' Row

The situation intensified when it emerged that ACP Vivek Bhagat was among 12 officers granted the 'Current Duty Charge' (CDC) of Additional DCP on October 5, 2026. This led to accusations from political figures, including Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bhardwaj, that the officer was being rewarded despite the pending allegations.

However, the government clarified that the CDC is a temporary administrative arrangement without additional financial benefits or full statutory powers. The government further stated that the proposal for this charge had been initiated on August 25, well before the protests. Following the public outcry, it was reported that Bhagat requested to decline the charge until the investigation into the journalists' complaints was completed.

Protests and FIRs Against Journalists and Activists

On the morning of October 5, 2026, a group of approximately 20 people, including journalists and content creators, gathered outside the Sansad Marg police station to demand an FIR against ACP Bhagat. This protest ended in a counter-crackdown. As detailed by Newslaundry Hindi, the police detained the group and subsequently filed an FIR against 17 individuals.

• Charges: The FIR included sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to unlawful assembly, rioting, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
• Court Action: On the night of October 5, Patiala House Court granted bail to the 17 protesters. However, 13 remained in judicial custody due to a lack of sureties.
• Custodial Assault Claims: The court specifically ordered a report from the DCP New Delhi after two accused, Dharmendra and Samarth, alleged they were beaten inside the police station, with injuries noted in their Medical Legal Certificates (MLC).

The Delhi Police have officially dismissed the allegations of physical assault against women protesters as baseless and misleading, while simultaneously issuing new guidelines for journalists covering protests, requiring them to maintain a specific distance and display valid identification at all times.