A transgender volunteer who participated in the recent protests at Jantar Mantar over alleged NEET irregularities has filed a police complaint against a prominent free food distributor, Mohammad Junaid, accusing him of inappropriate conduct. The complaint, lodged at the Parliament Street Police Station, alleges a pattern of unwelcome behaviour towards women volunteers at the protest site.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the complainant, Mahira Agni, a transgender activist and volunteer, detailed in her statement that Mohammad Junaid engaged in “over-friendly and inappropriate behaviour” with multiple women during the weeks-long agitation. Agni stated that she herself experienced similar behaviour, which she deemed unwelcome and inappropriate, contributing to an “unsafe and uncomfortable environment” for women participants.
Allegations of Repeated Misconduct
According to the complaint, Agni observed Junaid’s behaviour during her involvement in protest management, which included waste management and other logistical duties at the Jantar Mantar protest site. Agni reported that after raising concerns about Junaid’s conduct, she informed protest organiser Abhijeet Dipke. Subsequently, on July 11, Junaid was asked to leave the protest premises to ensure a safer environment for women, according to Agni’s statement.
Agni has requested that the authorities obtain and preserve CCTV footage from the Jantar Mantar protest site, suggesting that the alleged incidents may have been captured on camera. She further stated in her complaint that Junaid approached her seeking forgiveness for his behaviour a day after the detention of Sonam Wangchuk. Agni claims Junaid admitted his conduct was wrong and offered an apology during this conversation. She indicated that she possesses an audio recording of this conversation and is prepared to provide it as evidence to the investigating officer.
Further Concerns Raised by Volunteers
The complaint also references earlier instances of similar misconduct. It was reported in July, during the peak of the protest, that several female volunteers, including Agni and Laiba, had approached CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke with complaints that Junaid had been sending them inappropriate text messages. Following these reports, Dipke had instructed Junaid to leave the protest site and advised the women to file legal complaints if they wished.
Agni has requested the police to record the statement of Abhijeet Dipke, believing he may possess information relevant to the allegations. She indicated that other women had also shared similar concerns with members of the organising team. The complaint notes that after Agni publicly discussed the incident during an Instagram Live session, an associate of Junaid allegedly stated that a public apology would be issued, but Agni claims no such apology was forthcoming.
Agni stated in her complaint, lodged on August 4, that Junaid left Delhi for Jharkhand shortly after she registered the police complaint. She expressed hope that her speaking out would encourage other women who have experienced similar misconduct to report such incidents and seek justice. The police are expected to investigate the matter based on the facts and evidence presented.
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