Journalist Groups Condemn Delhi Police for Detaining Reporters

Four journalists' organizations condemned the detention of reporters covering protests in Delhi on October 10. The demonstrations were held to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The Press Club of India, along with the Indian Women’s Press Corps, the Delhi Union of Journalists, and the Delhi unit of the Kerala Union of Working Journalists, alleged that police targeted reporters documenting the event. The groups stated that officers confiscated phones and reporting equipment even from those displaying valid press identity cards.

The organizations criticized the Delhi Police for reportedly insisting that only journalists with Press Information Bureau accreditation could cover the protests. They argued that press freedom should not be conditional on such accreditation.

The groups are now demanding a public apology from the Delhi Police, the return of all seized equipment, and a formal inquiry into the conduct of senior police officers.