Two journalists from 4PM News Network allege they were beaten with sticks by Delhi Police in Saket. While police claim it was a matter of blocking a VVIP route, press bodies are demanding an independent probe.

  • Two female journalists, Shaheen Khan and Nafeesa Khan, allege police assault in Saket.
  • Allegations include being beaten with sticks and slapped at the police station.
  • Police claim the detention was due to obstructing a VVIP route with a scooter.
  • Major press bodies, including the Press Club of India, demand a high-level investigation.

A major controversy has erupted in New Delhi following allegations of police brutality against two women journalists. Shaheen Khan and Nafeesa Khan, reporters with 4PM News Network, claim they were detained and assaulted with sticks by the Delhi Police in Saket. The incident occurred while they were covering an inauguration event attended by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The journalists allege that the violence took place at the Saket police station. Viral videos circulating on social media appear to show visible injury marks on the limbs of both women. In a poignant social media post, Ms. Khan claimed the police were acting vindictively because the reporters intended to pose questions to the high-profile dignitaries present at the venue.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such incidents significantly impact the safety climate for media professionals in India. The intersection of VVIP security protocols and journalistic duties often creates friction, but the alleged use of physical force raises serious concerns regarding the protection of press freedom and constitutional rights.

"Even if the issue was of illegal parking, does that call for such brutal violence? We are planning to take legal course to bring the involved constables to justice." - Sanjay Sharma, Editor-in-Chief, 4PM News Network

Countering these claims, DCP (South) Anant Mittal stated that the allegations are "factually incorrect." According to the police, the women were removed from the area because they had parked their scooter in a way that obstructed a designated VVIP route. The police maintain that they refused to move the vehicle despite repeated requests, leading to their detention, but denied any assault took place.

The incident has drawn sharp political criticism. Saurabh Bharadwaj, Delhi President of the Aam Aadmi Party, lashed out at the BJP-led administration, calling the alleged treatment of women reporters "shameful." Meanwhile, various journalistic organizations, including the Press Club of India and the Indian Women’s Press Corps, have urged Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar to initiate an immediate probe.

Did You Know?: The Press Council of India is a statutory body established to maintain press standards and protect the freedom of the press in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the police's official stance on the assault?
The Delhi Police has termed the allegations as "false, misleading, and baseless," stating the women were only detained for obstructing a VVIP route.

2. What action are press bodies demanding?
Press organizations are demanding an independent investigation and punitive action against the officers involved, including the Station House Officer.