Delhi ACP suspended after leading protest against his transfer

An assistant commissioner of police in Delhi has been suspended over a protest against his transfer. The suspension came on Tuesday, 3 November. Police accuse him of leading the demonstration, which was held against his move and that of another officer.

The row began on 23 October, when advocate Lalit Bansal was hurt in a fight with a salon owner at Shahdara police station in east Delhi. Bansal sustained a head injury. The Coordination Committee of All District Courts Bar Associations of Delhi said Assistant Commissioner Manasvi Vashishtha and Station House Officer Arun Kumar had promised action against the accused.

The next day, the committee said the man accused of assaulting Bansal had been released. When lawyers went to the station to raise their concern, the committee alleged that Vashishtha drew his revolver and threatened them. Police said nearly 20 lawyers misbehaved with Vashishtha and Kumar on 24 October.

On 27 October, district court lawyers began an indefinite strike, demanding action against the two officers. The next day, both officers were transferred, and the lawyers called off the strike. Vashishtha was moved from his post as sub-divisional police officer.

The transfers led to the protest that resulted in Vashishtha's suspension. It is not yet clear how many officers took part in the protest. Police have not said whether the suspension has been challenged, or whether any action has been taken against the lawyers or the salon owner.