The Press Club of India, Indian Women’s Press Corps, Delhi Union of Journalists, Press Association and Kerala Union of Working Journalists have condemned the alleged assault of freelance journalists Shaheen Khan and Nafisa Khan by Delhi Police personnel at Saket Police Station.
According to the press bodies, the journalists were reporting on the inauguration of a new wing at Max Hospital in Saket by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta when they were allegedly manhandled by police personnel.
Journalists Allegedly Beaten at Police Station
The organisations said the two journalists were dragged into a police vehicle and taken to Saket Police Station. They alleged that the SHO instructed police personnel to take the women to a room, where women officers also joined in and allegedly assaulted them.
The press bodies further alleged that police personnel questioned the journalists about their religious identity and then intensified the assault, including allegedly using religion-specific abuses. The journalists were also reportedly threatened with the registration of FIRs.
Videos circulating on social media purportedly show bruises and welts on the bodies of the two journalists.
The organisations have called for punitive action against the police officials involved, including the SHO of Saket Police Station.
They urged Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar to order a free and fair investigation into the allegations.
The press bodies also called on the Press Council of India to take suo motu cognisance of the incident and conduct an independent investigation, describing the alleged assault as an attempt to suppress press freedom.
