Delhi Police accused of assaulting journalists during VVIP event

Delhi Police assault allegations journalist safety India Rekha Gupta freedom of the press Saket police station

Two freelance journalists, Shaheen Khan and Nafisa Khan of 4PM News Network, have alleged they were detained and assaulted by Delhi Police at the Saket police station on September 3. The incident occurred during an event attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The journalists claim they were attempting to question Chief Minister Gupta regarding an alleged cycle scam when they were intercepted. They allege that while in custody, they were beaten with sticks, slapped by a plainclothes officer, and subjected to identity-based slurs. Shaheen Khan staged a sit-in outside the station to demand an FIR, which she claims the police refused to register.

Delhi Police have denied all allegations of assault. Authorities maintain that the journalists were detained because their scooter was obstructing a VVIP route and that they created a commotion when asked to move.

Commenting on the incident, Congress MP Manish Tewari urged the government to show more tolerance toward criticism and called for journalists to exercise greater responsibility to protect democratic values.

Entities

Amit Shah · Delhi Police · Manish Tewari · Rekha Gupta · Shaheen Khan

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] Delhi Police denied the assault allegations, stating the dispute arose because the journalists' scooter was obstructing a VVIP route. www.news9live.com · www.newslaundry.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The journalists allege a plainclothes officer slapped them and used sticks to beat them, while also using identity and community-based slurs. www.news9live.com · www.newslaundry.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Two freelance journalists, Shaheen Khan and Nafisa Khan, allege they were detained and assaulted by Delhi Police at Saket police station. bhaskarlive.in · www.news9live.com · www.newslaundry.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The journalists claim the confrontation began when they attempted to question Chief Minister Rekha Gupta regarding an alleged cycle scam. www.news9live.com · www.newslaundry.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Congress MP Manish Tewari called for increased government tolerance and greater responsibility among journalists to strengthen democracy. bhaskarlive.in

Sources

Manish Tewari urges governments to be more tolerant, journalists to be responsible [bhaskarlive.in]

7 days ago

Two women journalists allege assault by Delhi Police for questioning Rekha Gupta, cops deny charge [www.news9live.com]

8 days ago

What happened to journalist Shaheen Khan at Saket police station? [www.newslaundry.com]

7 days ago

Manish Tewari urges governments to be more tolerant, journalists to be responsible [theshillongtimes.com]

7 days ago