Two women journalists, Shaheen Khan and Nafisa Khan, have alleged that they were detained and assaulted by Delhi Police while covering an event at Saket, South Delhi, on September 3. They alleged that the assault intensified after police personnel learned that they were Muslim.
Delhi Police has denied the allegations, saying the journalists were detained because their scooter was obstructing a designated VVIP route and that claims of assault and religious targeting were “factually incorrect and misleading.”
Several journalist organisations, including the Press Club of India and Indian Women’s Press Corps, have condemned the alleged incident and called for a free and fair independent investigation.
Delhi Police has denied the allegations, describing them as “factually incorrect” and “misleading.” Police said the journalists were detained after allegedly obstructing a designated VVIP movement route with their scooter and not following instructions from officers.
The controversy has triggered strong reactions from journalist organisations and media bodies, with calls for an independent and impartial investigation into the allegations. The Editors Guild of India and other press organisations have condemned the reported incident and sought accountability.
The case has also renewed discussion around press freedom, journalists’ safety and police accountability. A transparent investigation and examination of available evidence, including CCTV footage and medical records, will be important in establishing what happened at the police station.
Two women journalists, Shaheen Khan and Nafisa Khan, allege assault at Delhi’s Saket Police Station. Delhi Police denies the allegations as the case sparks concerns over press freedom and journalist safety.