Delhi ACP protests with 500 policemen, MHA suspends him next day: Who is Manasvi Vashistha, officer who fought against his transfer?

Delhi Police Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Manasvi Vashistha was suspended by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) a day after leading a demonstration at Police Headquarters against his transfer. Around 500 police personnel gathered at the headquarters to protest the transfers of Vashistha and inspector Arun Kumar following a confrontation between police personnel and lawyers at Shahdara police station.

Vashistha received his suspension letter hours after the demonstration, according to a report by The Times of India. His transfer from Gandhi Nagar to the Special Police Unit for Women and Children (SPUWAC) had triggered the protest, with personnel demanding an opportunity to raise their grievances before senior officers.

Who is ACP Manasvi Vashistha?

Manasvi Vashistha is an ACP in Delhi Police who was previously posted in Gandhi Nagar. He was transferred to SPUWAC following a confrontation between police personnel and lawyers at Shahdara police station on October 23.


His transfer, along with that of Shahdara station house officer (SHO) inspector Arun Kumar, led to a demonstration by police personnel at Police Headquarters.

Kumar was transferred to the security unit. The transfers followed an alleged scuffle at Shahdara police station in which an advocate sustained a serious head injury.

Lawyers accused the two officers of misbehaviour and alleged that Vashistha had brandished his pistol during the confrontation.

Why did 500 policemen protest at Police Headquarters?

Messages circulated in WhatsApp groups asking Delhi Police personnel to assemble at Police Headquarters in support of the two transferred officers.

Vashistha also posted a video appealing to Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar for an open-house discussion where personnel could raise their concerns.

The demonstration took place in two phases, first outside and then inside the headquarters. Around 100 personnel initially gathered outside, with the number increasing to approximately 500 when a meeting was called.

Security was strengthened near Gate No. 1, with additional police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel deployed. Barricades were also erected.

Several videos showed senior officers attempting to dissuade personnel from gathering. In one video, DCP (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma reminded them that they belonged to a professional and disciplined force and should raise their concerns through departmental channels.

Speaking to reporters, Vashistha said the mobilisation was an organic call by police personnel and that he had joined them. He also said a formal application had been submitted seeking a platform to present their grievances before senior officers.

What were the policemen demanding?

Addressing the gathering, Vashistha called for a standard operating procedure (SOP) to deal with lawyers entering police stations.

He proposed that the entry of more than five people wearing black coats should be treated as an unlawful assembly. He also demanded a dedicated cell at Police Headquarters to address incidents involving police personnel and lawyers.

His other demands included immediate cancellation of bar licences in cases of misbehaviour with police personnel and the deployment of two companies of security forces at every court complex.

Some protesters carried placards featuring photographs of Vashistha and two retired IPS officers, with the words "Our Heroes Forever".

Police personnel also raised concerns about their dignity, respect for the uniform and alleged harassment by lawyers at court premises.

What happened at the meeting with the police commissioner?

A meeting was subsequently held at Vimarsh Hall, attended by Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar and senior officers.

According to an official press note, the commissioner appreciated the force's professionalism and commitment, particularly during law-and-order duties and the BRICS Summit. He assured personnel that genuine grievances would be addressed promptly.

Delhi Police announced a joint coordination committee comprising representatives of bar associations and the Bar Council of Delhi at district and Police Headquarters levels to address issues faced by personnel while performing their duties.

The department also said issues relating to promotions, Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP), housing and other service-related matters would be examined. District and unit heads were directed to hold regular meetings and ensure time-bound resolution of grievances.

The meeting lasted more than 40 minutes. After it concluded, around 40 policemen continued their demonstration outside Police Headquarters.

When was Manasvi Vashistha suspended?

Vashistha received his suspension letter from the MHA hours after leading the demonstration, The Times of India reported.

The suspension came a day after the gathering at Police Headquarters, where personnel had protested against the transfers of Vashistha and inspector Arun Kumar.

A similar demonstration had taken place in November 2019 following clashes between police personnel and lawyers at Tis Hazari Court.

(With TOI inputs)