Two Women Journalists Allege Assault at Delhi’s Saket Police Station; Press Bodies Demand Probe

A controversy erupted at Delhi’s Saket police station after two freelance women journalists, who were detained and allegedly assaulted by police personnel on September 3, 2026, after going to cover a VVIP event at Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital in Saket, alleged that they had been mistreated. Delhi Police, however, said the journalists were taken to the station after allegedly parking their scooter near a designated VVIP route and refusing repeated instructions to move it. The journalists’ allegations have triggered strong condemnation from several press bodies, which have demanded an independent investigation.

The journalists, Shaheen Khan and Nafisa Khan, were reportedly covering the inauguration of a new wing at the hospital on September 3, an event attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Shah inaugurated a 400-bed tower, taking the hospital’s capacity to around 1,200 beds. The journalists, associated with 4PM News Network, said they attempted to question Gupta about an alleged “cycle scam” when police intervened. They alleged that they were manhandled near the venue and subsequently taken to Saket police station.

According to their account, the situation escalated inside the station. They alleged that they were taken into a room and assaulted by police personnel, including women officers, and that they were slapped and beaten with sticks. They further alleged that the violence intensified after police personnel learned they were Muslims and that religion-specific abuses were directed at them. Videos circulating on social media showed the journalists displaying injury marks on different parts of their bodies. They reportedly underwent medical examination at AIIMS, with their alleged injuries documented through medico-legal reports.

Police have strongly denied the allegations. DCP (South) Anant Mittal said the women had parked their scooter near a designated VVIP route and allegedly refused repeated instructions to move it. Police maintained that they were taken to the station because of the security arrangements and denied that the action was connected to their attempt to question the Chief Minister.

The allegations prompted a joint response from the Press Club of India, Indian Women’s Press Corps, Delhi Union of Journalists, Press Association and Kerala Union of Working Journalists. The organisations demanded punitive action against the personnel involved, including the Saket SHO, and urged Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar to order a “free and fair investigation”. They also asked the Press Council of India to take suo motu cognisance and conduct an independent probe.

Journalists, activists and political workers subsequently staged a protest outside Saket police station, demanding an FIR and action against the accused personnel. The Congress and AAP also criticised the alleged treatment of the journalists.

The controversy has drawn additional attention because of 4PM News Network’s earlier legal dispute with the Centre. In 2025, its YouTube channel was blocked on grounds including national security and public order. Editor Sanjay Sharma challenged the action in the Supreme Court, which issued notice to the Centre; the government later withdrew the blocking order.

The present incident remains disputed. CCTV footage, medical records, witness statements, police records and available video evidence could prove crucial in establishing what happened. The case has consequently raised wider questions over journalists’ safety, police accountability and press freedom during high-security VVIP events.