Two independent Muslim women journalists, Shaheen Khan and Nafisa, have alleged that Delhi Police personnel detained and assaulted them in south Delhi on Thursday, September 3, while they were covering a news story.
The journalists, associated with 4 PM News Network, alleged that the police action was linked to their identities as Muslims and their reporting. Shaheen Khan also alleged that she was assaulted after attempting to question Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
4 PM News Network said in a post on X that Shaheen was trying to ask questions to Gupta when police personnel allegedly grabbed her, dragged her to a police station and beat her.
“She further alleges that when the police officers asked for her name and heard ‘Khan’ in it, the assault against her intensified,” the news network said.
Journalists Seek Medical Examination
Speaking to PTI, Shaheen and Nafisa said they were on their way to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for medical examinations and to obtain their medico-legal certificates (MLCs).
There was no immediate response from the Delhi Police to the allegations.
A video shared online also shows Shaheen making allegations against police personnel while an officer is seen sitting at a desk.
The journalists have alleged that they were detained before being assaulted while carrying out their reporting duties.
AAP Criticises Delhi Government
The allegations have drawn criticism from opposition leaders and groups, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) targeting the BJP-led Delhi government and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that the journalists were beaten for questioning the chief minister.
“Two women reporters have been very brutally beaten by Delhi Police for asking questions from CM Rekha Gupta. Shame on woman CM Rekha Gupta,” Bharadwaj said in a post on X.
The Cockroach Janta Party also condemned the alleged assault. Its spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka described Shaheen as “one of the finest journalists” he had come across in Delhi and called the alleged police action shameful.
The allegations come amid renewed concerns over the treatment of journalists while covering political events and questioning public officials. The claims made by the two journalists have not yet received an official response from the Delhi Police.
