Two independent women journalists in New Delhi have claimed they were detained and assaulted by members of the Delhi Police while attempting to cover an event. The women, Shaheen Khan and Nafisa Khan, were at the inauguration of a new wing at Max Hospital in Saket when they allege police officials questioned them about their religion and assaulted them upon learning they were Muslims.

The journalists reportedly faced physical violence after being taken to the Saket police station following their initial detention near the event venue. Videos circulated on social media show them with visible injuries, further amplifying the allegations against the police. One of the journalists asserted that police officers hit them with batons during their detention.

In social media recordings, one journalist detailed the degrading treatment she and her colleague experienced, alleging that the police expressed animosity towards them due to their Muslim identity. She narrated that she had suffered injuries both to her leg and arm, while her colleague also had a leg injury as a result of the incident.

Police Response to Allegations

The Delhi Police have categorically denied the allegations made by the journalists. They assert that the women had parked their scooter in a manner that obstructed a VVIP route, and officers repeatedly asked them to move their vehicle. According to the police, their detainment was a necessary measure related to safety protocols for the VVIP event, which involved high-profile politicians including the Union Home Minister.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Anant Mittal described the claims concerning the assault as “totally false, misleading and baseless.” He urged citizens and social media users to refrain from spreading unverified information regarding the incident.

As the situation escalated, opposition parties took note of the incident, criticising the actions of the Delhi Police. Scholars and observers have raised questions regarding the treatment of journalists under the current political climate, particularly concerning the alleged suppression of dissenting voices.

Political Reactions and Press Organisation Statements

The incident has sparked significant political discourse, with opposition parties, including the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), condemning the actions of the police. The Congress party produced a video of one of the journalists and expressed concern over oppressive measures taken against individuals simply for asking questions under the current government.

AAP representatives echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the treatment endured by the journalists signifies a broader trend of silencing dissenting voices, particularly those of women. AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj specifically called out the Chief Minister, questioning the government’s commitment to journalistic freedom and accountability.

Several press organisations, including the Press Club of India and the Indian Women’s Press Corps, have united in condemnation of the alleged assault. They have called for a thorough investigation into the incident and demand accountability for those involved. The organisations asserted that the treatment of the journalists at the police station reflected an alarming pattern of abuse against media personnel.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share