Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Women Journalists Allege Police Assault and Detention in Delhi
Two women journalists said Delhi Police detained and beat them.
They were reporting near an event in Saket, Delhi.
The event was attended by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and, according to one report, Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
One journalist said the trouble started after they asked the Chief Minister a question.
She also said the police treated them more harshly after learning they were Muslims.
Police denied this account.
Police said the women would not move their scooter from a route used for important visitors.
Several journalist groups called for a fair investigation, while no case had been registered by Thursday evening.
Journalists Shaheen Khan and Nafisa Khan alleged Delhi Police detained and assaulted them while they covered an event in Saket.
Shaheen Khan said they were dragged to the police station after asking Chief Minister Rekha Gupta a question.
She further alleged the assault intensified after police learned the women were Muslims.
Police denied the allegations and said the journalists refused to move a scooter blocking a VVIP route.
Press organizations condemned the alleged assault and called for an independent investigation; no case had been registered by Thursday evening.
- Who
- Freelance journalists Shaheen Khan and Nafisa Khan, Delhi Police, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and journalist organizations were involved.
- What
- The journalists alleged detention and assault; police said they were taken for enquiry after allegedly blocking an exit, parking on a VVIP route, and arguing with officers.
- When
- Thursday; no case had been registered by late Thursday evening.
- Where
- Near an event in Saket, South Delhi, and at Saket police station.
- Why
- The journalists linked the incident to asking Chief Minister Rekha Gupta a question and alleged religious targeting; police attributed their detention to refusal to clear a scooter from a VVIP route.
Journalists and Press Bodies
Delhi Police
Cause of the incident
Journalists and Press Bodies
Shaheen Khan alleged that she and Nafisa Khan were detained and beaten after asking Chief Minister Rekha Gupta a question.
Delhi Police
Police said the women were taken to the local station for further enquiry after allegedly refusing to remove their scooter and clear the route.
Religious targeting
Journalists and Press Bodies
Shaheen Khan alleged the assault became more violent after police learned that the journalists were Muslims; the women also alleged they were targeted for their surnames.
Delhi Police
Police said allegations that the women were assaulted for asking questions were false, misleading, and baseless.
Recommended response
Journalists and Press Bodies
The Press Club of India, Indian Women’s Press Corps, Delhi Union of Journalists, Press Association, and Kerala Union of Working Journalists called for a free and fair investigation.
Delhi Police
Police maintained that the journalists’ detention was connected to security and safety protocol on the VVIP route.
- Journalists
- Shaheen Khan and Nafisa Khan, described as independent journalists and workers with 4PM News Network
- Location
- Saket, South Delhi
- Event attendees
- Chief Minister Rekha Gupta; one report also said Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended
- Journalists’ allegation
- They were detained, dragged to the police station, and assaulted after asking the Chief Minister a question
- Police account
- The women allegedly refused repeated requests to move their scooter and clear a VVIP movement route
- Press response
- The Press Club of India and other journalist organizations condemned the alleged assault and sought a fair investigation
- Case status
- No case had been registered by late Thursday evening
