Press Bodies Condemn Alleged Assault of Muslim Journalists at Delhi Police Station
Journalists’ groups demand an impartial probe and strict action against police personnel accused of assaulting two reporters.
Several leading journalists’ organisations have condemned the alleged assault of freelance journalists Shaheen Khan and Nafisa Khan by Delhi Police personnel at Saket Police Station, demanding a fair investigation and action against those responsible.
The incident reportedly took place on Thursday when the two journalists were covering the inauguration of a new wing at Max Hospital in Saket. The event was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
In a joint statement, the Press Club of India, Indian Women’s Press Corps, Delhi Union of Journalists, Press Association and Kerala Union of Working Journalists alleged that the journalists were first manhandled by police personnel near the venue. They were then allegedly forced into a police vehicle and taken to Saket Police Station.
According to the journalists’ organisations, the situation allegedly worsened after the two reached the station. They claimed that the Station House Officer directed officials to take the journalists into a room, where women police personnel also allegedly joined in and assaulted them.
4 PM News Network said in a post on X that Shaheen Khan was working as one of its reporters and had been attempting to question Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
The news outlet called for a thorough investigation and urged authorities to immediately secure all available video evidence, including CCTV footage from the location and the police station.
The Press Club of India also alleged that police personnel attempted to establish the religious identity of the journalists and that the alleged assault intensified after this. The organisations further claimed that religion based abuses were directed at the two journalists.
The journalists were also reportedly threatened with the possibility of criminal cases being filed against them.
Videos shared on social media reportedly show Shaheen and Nafisa with visible bruises and marks on their bodies. The authenticity and full circumstances surrounding the footage have not been independently established.
The journalists’ organisations have called on Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar to ensure a free and fair investigation into the allegations against the police personnel.
They have also appealed to the Press Council of India to take suo motu cognisance of the matter and conduct an independent inquiry.