'Journalism is not to be rolled': Delhi Police Warns Media Over Protests
Delhi Police warns journalists against joining protests and obstructing duty, amid allegations of manhandling and harassment by officers.
The Delhi Police has issued a stern directive to media personnel, urging them to maintain a professional distance from demonstrators while covering protests. This warning comes amid allegations of police misconduct and friction between law enforcement and journalists during recent public demonstrations.
Police Allege Obstruction by Media Personnel
Additional DCP New Delhi, Manjeet Sheoran, highlighted concerns regarding the conduct of certain media professionals during public demonstrations. He noted that the line between reporting and participating often becomes blurred, leading to operational challenges for law enforcement.
"Some protestors come one day as a journalist and come the other day as a protestor," Sheoran stated. He added that despite repeated appeals to cover events from a distance, some individuals continue to move into the thick of the action, creating obstacles for police officers performing their duties.
Serious Allegations of Misconduct
The police's stance follows a series of serious complaints lodged by female journalists. On October 4, three women identifying themselves as journalists filed complaints alleging they were manhandled by Delhi Police officers and staff during their detention at a protest on October 3. The protest was held against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Neha Yadav confirmed the gravity of the situation, stating that the complaints have been officially registered. "Their complaint has been registered, medical examinations have been conducted, and the matter has been referred to the Crime Branch," Yadav said.
NHRC Intervenes in Harassment Allegations
The controversy has escalated beyond local law enforcement, drawing the attention of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The Commission took suo motu cognisance of media reports alleging that the three women journalists were subjected to sexual harassment by Delhi Police personnel during the protest at Jantar Mantar.
In an official release, the NHRC noted that if the allegations are proven true, they represent a serious violation of human rights. Consequently, the Commission has issued a formal notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner, demanding a comprehensive report on the incident within a two-week deadline.