Rahul Gandhi Criticises Delhi Police Over Women Journalists’ Allegations, Demands Saket CCTV Release
By : Alia Kashmiri
New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday criticised the Delhi Police over allegations of mistreatment of women journalists and demanded action against officers accused of misconduct. National Herald
In a post on X, Gandhi said recent incidents in Delhi showed what he described as a pattern of silencing women who raise questions. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The Congress leader also demanded the release of the complete CCTV footage from Saket Police Station, where two women journalists have alleged that they were detained and assaulted in September. He called for action against police personnel if the allegations are established. Hindustan Times
What happened at Saket Police Station?
Journalists Shaheen Khan and Nafisa Khan, associated with 4PM News Network, alleged that they were detained by Delhi Police on September 3 while covering an event at Max Super Speciality Hospital in Saket.
The event was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
According to the journalists, they were covering the event and attempted to question the chief minister when police intervened. They alleged that they were taken to Saket Police Station, where their phones were seized and they were threatened with legal action.
The two women further alleged that they were physically assaulted inside the police station. Shaheen Khan claimed that the alleged treatment became more severe after police personnel learned that they were Muslim. Videos released by their news organisation showed the journalists displaying injury marks on their bodies. The Indian Express
The allegations have not been established independently.
Delhi Police denies assault allegations
Delhi Police has rejected the journalists’ allegations, describing them as false, misleading and baseless.
According to the police, the journalists were taken to the police station after allegedly parking their scooter in a way that obstructed a designated VVIP route during the event. Police said the women were asked several times to clear the route but allegedly did not comply. The Indian Express
The police have also denied the allegations of religious targeting and assault.
Rahul Gandhi raises questions over police conduct
Gandhi said he had met Shaheen Khan and Nafisa Khan and heard their account of what allegedly happened at the police station.
He questioned why women journalists should face such treatment while carrying out their professional duties and called for transparency in the matter.
Gandhi also referred to the CCTV footage from Saket Police Station, saying the complete recordings should be made public so that the allegations can be properly examined. National Herald
He also questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the conduct of the Delhi Police.
Separate allegations at Jantar Mantar
Gandhi’s comments came amid another controversy involving women journalists at Jantar Mantar.
On October 3, three women journalists covering a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar alleged that they were sexually harassed and manhandled by police personnel.
Delhi Police received their complaints and transferred the matter to the Crime Branch for what it described as a fair and impartial investigation. Police have also said that the complainants underwent medical examinations and that CCTV and other video footage would be examined. The Indian Express
The journalists and supporters have demanded that an FIR be registered and that appropriate action be taken if the allegations are proven.
Investigation remains important
The two incidents have led to renewed questions about the treatment of women journalists while covering political events and protests in Delhi.
However, the allegations made by the journalists and the police’s version of events differ significantly. The facts surrounding the Saket incident and the more recent Jantar Mantar allegations therefore remain matters for investigation.
The release and examination of relevant CCTV footage, witness accounts and other available evidence could help establish what happened and determine whether any police personnel should face action.
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