New Delhi: A major development has emerged in the ongoing controversy within the Delhi Police. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Manasvi Vashistha has been suspended by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) following a protest by police personnel at the Delhi Police Headquarters on Monday. Vashistha had joined the demonstration and led the gathering, which was organised against the transfer of two police officers following a confrontation between police personnel and lawyers at Shahdara Police Station. The suspension has brought the internal dispute within the Delhi Police into the spotlight.

Shahdara Police Station Incident Triggered the Controversy
The controversy dates back to October 23, when a confrontation took place between police personnel and lawyers at Shahdara Police Station in East Delhi. During the incident, advocate Lalit Bansal allegedly sustained a serious head injury in a scuffle. Lawyers subsequently accused the police officers concerned of misconduct and demanded action against them. The incident triggered an indefinite strike by district court lawyers, who were seeking accountability and action over the alleged incident. The dispute soon escalated, creating tensions between the police department and the legal fraternity.

ACP Manasvi Vashistha and SHO Arun Kumar Transferred
Amid the growing controversy, Delhi Police issued transfer orders on October 28. ACP Manasvi Vashistha, who was posted in the Gandhi Nagar subdivision, was transferred to the Special Police Unit for Women and Children (SPUWAC). Inspector Arun Kumar, the then Station House Officer (SHO) of Shahdara Police Station, was also transferred to the Security Unit. The transfers came after lawyers demanded action against the officers in connection with the Shahdara incident. Following these orders, the lawyers called off their indefinite strike. However, the decision reportedly triggered resentment among a section of Delhi Police personnel.

Hundreds of Police Personnel Gather at Headquarters
On November 2, the discontent turned into an open demonstration when a large number of Delhi Police personnel gathered outside Police Headquarters on Jai Singh Road. The protesters demanded the reinstatement of ACP Manasvi Vashistha and Inspector Arun Kumar to their previous postings. Vashistha also joined the gathering and led the demonstration. The police personnel raised concerns about their safety and dignity while performing their duties, particularly during confrontations with lawyers at police stations and court complexes. They also sought a clear Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to deal with such situations and a proper grievance-redressal mechanism within the department.

Ministry of Home Affairs Takes Action Against ACP
The situation took a significant turn when the Ministry of Home Affairs suspended ACP Manasvi Vashistha following his participation in and leadership of the protest. According to media reports, Vashistha received his suspension letter on November 2, with the development being reported on November 3. The action came amid questions over discipline within the police force and the manner in which departmental grievances should be raised. Meanwhile, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar held a meeting with senior officers and personnel to listen to their concerns. The department also announced a joint coordination committee involving representatives of the Bar Council of Delhi and district bar associations to address disputes and grievances. The suspension has added another significant chapter to the ongoing police-lawyer controversy in the national capital.