Delhi Police Detain Journalists Covering Youth Protest, Triggering Press Freedom Concerns
By : National Media Desk
Several journalists, photojournalists and digital content creators were detained by Delhi Police during a security crackdown linked to a youth protest in the national capital, raising concerns over press freedom and the treatment of media personnel. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
According to accounts published by media organisations, several reporters said they had displayed valid press credentials and identified themselves as journalists before being taken away. Many of those detained were reportedly released hours later.
Journalists from Several Media Organisations Detained
The detentions reportedly affected journalists working for digital platforms, newspapers and television channels.
Newslaundry reported that its journalists Ashwine Kumar Singh, Astha Savyasachi and Anmol Pritam, along with intern Anshu, were detained while covering the demonstrations. The organisation also alleged that police personnel seized phones and reporting equipment, while some journalists were pushed or had their devices taken away.
Scroll reporter Ayush Tiwari was reportedly detained near ITO while carrying his press card. In a separate incident, Scroll’s political editor Shoaib Daniyal was detained in South Delhi while waiting for a taxi, according to accounts published by the outlet.
Journalists Hritik Joshi and Rahul Charas of Navbharat Times were also reportedly detained while recording footage. Malayalam news outlet Reporter TV said its journalists Roshni Rajan and Farza TM were among those affected.
The reports described a wider operation involving media personnel from different outlets, including independent journalists and digital content creators.
Journalists Describe Chaotic Scenes
Eyewitness accounts and videos shared on social media reportedly showed tense scenes as police personnel moved to control the situation. Some journalists said their attempts to identify themselves as members of the press were not accepted.
One reported exchange included the phrase, “Koi media nahin hai” — meaning “There is no media here.”
Some detained journalists also alleged that they were taken around the city in crowded police vehicles before being released at locations including Chhatrasal Stadium and Daryaganj. Reports also described a minor fire scare involving one police bus, after which those inside were reportedly evacuated.
The circumstances surrounding individual detentions and the full sequence of events require confirmation from the relevant authorities.
Protest Over Electoral Roll Deletions
The police action took place amid a youth-led protest centred on demands for accountability over the deletion of names from electoral rolls.
The protest drew a significant security response, while the detention of journalists reporting on the events raised questions about whether media personnel were able to carry out their work without obstruction.
Journalists’ groups, editors and press freedom advocates criticised the reported detentions, arguing that reporters should be able to cover public demonstrations safely and independently.
The incident has renewed calls for transparency regarding police action against journalists. A clear account from the authorities, including the reasons for the detentions and the circumstances in which reporters were released, would help establish the full facts.
You Might Also Like:
Education In Kashmir with Complete Statistics
TCS Nashik ‘Conversion’ Scandal: Accused Nida Khan Suspended as Sexual Harassment and Coercion Probe Intensifies
