Delhi Police Accused of Assaulting Journalists Over Question to CM Rekha Gupta

In a troubling incident in Delhi, two women journalists have alleged that they were subjected to police violence after attempting to pose a question to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a public event. The journalists, Shaheen Khan and her colleague Nafisa Khan, reported that they were detained by the Delhi Police and subsequently assaulted at the Saket Police Station.

The confrontation occurred at a private hospital event where CM Gupta was present. According to Shaheen Khan, as she tried to ask the Chief Minister a question, police personnel forcibly restrained her and transported her to the police station while reportedly beating her. This incident was captured in a video shared by the YouTube channel 4PM News Network, where Khan detailed her experience, noting that the assault escalated after the officers discovered that she was a Muslim.

In her statements, Khan highlighted the disturbing nature of the incident, questioning whether merely asking the Chief Minister a question had become a serious offense warranting such an extreme response from law enforcement. The video feature prominently showcases her distressing encounter, which has sparked outrage among media circles and civil rights advocates.

Despite the serious allegations, the Delhi Police have yet to issue a response regarding the claims made by the journalists. This incident has raised significant concerns about press freedoms in India, especially in a time when journalists often face hostility while trying to pursue accountability from public officials.

The incident underscores a broader issue regarding the treatment of journalists in the country, particularly those who challenge authority. It also ignites a discussion about the role of the police and their responsibility to uphold the rights of citizens, including journalists, who are merely fulfilling their professional duties.

Source: scroll.in