NEW DELHI: Two Muslim women journalists in India were assaulted by Delhi Police while in custody after they attempted to question Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at a public event.
Shaheen Khan and Nafisa Khan, journalists with digital outlet 4PM News Network, said they were detained on Thursday while covering the inauguration of a new wing at Max Hospital in Saket. The event was attended by Gupta and Indian Home Minister Amit Shah.
New India where you can neither question BJP nor Delhi Police…
A @4pmnews_network journalist claims Delhi Police detained and beat her for questioning the BJP government, alleging the assault worsened after she identified herself as Shaheen Khan. pic.twitter.com/qWwbMo8j2r
— D (@Deb_livnletliv) September 3, 2026
The journalists said they were dragged away from the venue and taken to Saket Police Station, where they were assaulted by women police personnel.
Muslim Identity
Shaheen said that the treatment became more violent after police officers asked the journalists their names and learned they were Muslims.
“They asked which community we belonged to; they thrashed us again,” she said in a video circulated following their release.
Both journalists had bruises and marks on their arms and legs, which they said resulted from the assault. They later underwent a medico-legal examination at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
Press Groups Seek Probe
The incident prompted condemnation from several Indian journalists’ organisations, including the Press Club of India, Indian Women’s Press Corps, Delhi Union of Journalists, Press Association and Kerala Union of Working Journalists.
ALSO READ: Indian-Owned Firm At Centre Of €70m Estonia Ammunition Scandal
The groups demanded an independent investigation and action against any police personnel found responsible.
4PM News Network said Shaheen was attempting to question the Delhi chief minister when she was detained. The outlet also raised concerns that the incident could be linked to its critical coverage of the Delhi government.
Opposition parties, including Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party, also condemned the assault and called for action.
