Hate Watch

NEW DELHI : The Cogito Media Foundation (CMF) has condemned the alleged assault and harassment of journalists Nafeesa Khan and Shaheen Khan by Delhi Police. The two independent journalists, associated with 4 PM News Network, have alleged that they were detained and assaulted by police on September 3 while they were reporting and trying to question Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta in south Delhi. Journalists allege police assault According to Shaheen Khan, the incident began when she tried to question the Delhi Chief Minister. 4 PM News Network alleged that police personnel grabbed her, dragged her to a police station and beat her. The news network further claimed that the situation became worse after police officers learned that she was a Muslim. “She further alleges that when the police officers asked for her name and heard ‘Khan’ in it, the assault against her intensified,” 4 PM News Network said in a post on X. https://twitter.com/alitodaay/status/2095581094037082221?s20 The allegations have not been independently established, and a response from Delhi Police was not included in the report. CMF calls for investigation The Cogito Media Foundation said the incident raises serious concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists while doing their work. “Press freedom cannot survive when journalists are punished for asking questions,” the foundation said. CMF has called for an impartial investigation and demanded strict action against any police personnel found responsible. https://twitter.com/alitodaay/status/2095579782373327104?s20 The foundation also said journalists should be able to question public officials without fear of harassment or retaliation. Journalists seek medical examination Speaking to PTI, Shaheen and Nafeesa said they were heading to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for medical examinations and to obtain medico-legal certificates (MLCs). A video shared online reportedly shows Shaheen making allegations against police personnel, while a police officer can be seen sitting at a desk. The incident has sparked concerns over the safety of journalists and the need for accountability when allegations of police misconduct are made.