New Delhi: The Press Club of India, Indian Women's Press Corps, Delhi Union of Journalists, and the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (Delhi unit) slammed Delhi Police on Saturday for detaining journalists and seizing their equipment during protests in the national capital. The demonstrations, which demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, saw hundreds of protesters and several reporters taken into custody.
Reporters from The Quint, The Wire, Scroll, Reporter TV, Navbharat Times, and Newslaundry, along with senior journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, were among those detained. The joint statement revealed that officers bundled these reporters into buses and transported them to detention centres, including Chhatrasal Stadium and Chanakyapuri police station.
The media bodies alleged that journalists were harassed while prominently displaying their press identity cards. Police officers reportedly questioned their credentials, with some stating, “Everybody claims to be a journalist these days.” The organisations also reported that official phones used for reporting were snatched and seized.
Criticising the security setup, the four bodies noted the deployment of 22,000 police and paramilitary personnel, the closure of metro stations, and unprecedented internet shutdowns. They described the police’s earlier stance—that only Press Information Bureau (PIB) accredited journalists could cover the protests—as a violation of law, noting that a large section of digital and independent media operates without PIB cards.
Demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all detained journalists, the organisations called for the return of their phones and equipment. They also sought a public apology from Delhi Police and an inquiry into the conduct of senior officers who allegedly ordered the detentions. The statement warned that restricting press access creates a “fortress-like situation” reminiscent of a fascist state.