Two Women Journalists Allege Assault by Delhi Police, Cops Deny

Two independent women journalists, Shaheen Khan and Nafisa Khan, have alleged that they were detained and assaulted by Delhi Police personnel after they went to cover an event in Saket and attempted to question Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. They further alleged that police personnel asked about their religion before assaulting them, claiming they were targeted because they are Muslims.

The journalists said they were first detained near the venue of an event at Max Hospital, Saket, before being taken to Saket Police Station. They alleged that they were beaten with batons and slapped inside a room at the station. Videos circulating on social media showed the women displaying injuries, with one appearing unable to walk because of a leg injury.

Delhi Police denied the allegations, calling them “factually incorrect”, “misleading” and “baseless”. Police said the journalists had parked their scooter near a designated VVIP route and repeatedly refused requests to move it. According to DCP (South) Anant Mittal, they were taken to the police station for further enquiry in view of security and safety protocols.

The allegations have triggered a political backlash, with the Congress and AAP condemning the incident and demanding action. Several journalists’ bodies, including the Press Club of India and Indian Women’s Press Corps, have also called for a free and fair investigation into the allegations. The police have maintained that no assault took place, while the videos showing the journalists’ apparent injuries continue to circulate.