Two journalists reported being detained and manhandled by Delhi Police on Friday, September 25, while covering a protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. The incident involved reporters for The Wire and Frontline magazine, who were documenting a demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Mohammad Irfan, a prominent YouTuber and reporter for The Wire, described his initial experience covering the protest. He recounted being shoved into a police vehicle by four to five officers despite possessing a press card, all while he repeatedly cried out for his microphone. Irfan alleged his mic, bearing The Wire's logo, was snatched and broken during the encounter. He further criticized the police, suggesting they only permit "Godi media" outlets to report, accusing them of "singing praises, championing your agenda, and flattering you." Irfan stated he was attempting to record activists Yogendra Yadav and Dipankar Bhattacharya of the Communist Party of India (ML) Liberation when police intervened. The Wire later corroborated his account in a post on X, confirming Irfan's detention and the damage to his equipment, while also seeking clarification from Delhi Police regarding the protesters' whereabouts.
Separately, Vedaant Lakhera, a senior reporter for Frontline magazine, claimed a Delhi Police officer without a name tag pushed and shoved him away from the protest area. Lakhera asserted he asked the officer for his name and badge number, as mandated by Supreme Court guidelines, but the officer refused. When Lakhera attempted to photograph the officer, he was allegedly threatened and removed from the premises. Frontline also posted on X about Lakhera's removal from Jantar Mantar, noting he was later released.
These detentions occurred amidst a protest organized by various activists and civil society groups, including the All India Students' Association. The demonstration followed investigative reports by The Indian Express concerning the Election Commission's handling of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Image: siasat.com
📰 Source: Siasat Gulf