Int’l Desk:

A severe allegation of police brutalization has surfaced in India after two female Muslim journalists were detained and reportedly beaten in custody while performing their professional duties in Delhi, TRT World reports.

The victims alleged that the physical violence escalated significantly once the officers discovered their religious identity. A video capturing the aftermath of the incident has gone viral across social media, triggering widespread outrage and intense debate across India.

The incident occurred in Delhi’s Saket area during a hospital event attended by Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Shaheen Khan and Nafisa Khan, two journalists representing the digital news outlet ‘4PM News Network,’ attempted to direct questions to the Chief Minister while reporting on the event. Security personnel intervened, detained the journalists, and brought them to the Saket Police Station.

In a video circulating online, Shaheen Khan displays visible injury marks on her body, while Nafisa Khan is seen being assisted by others as she struggles to walk due to pain.

According to the victims, officers at the police station struck them with batons and slapped them. Shaheen stated that upon hearing her surname, officers questioned her faith. When an incoming phone call from a Muslim contact appeared on her mobile phone, an officer allegedly remarked, “She is Muslim, hit her with two more baton strikes.”

Delhi Police have denied the allegations, maintaining that the journalists were brought to the station for obstructing the Home Minister’s convoy route. Authorities dismissed the claims of physical assault as untrue.

The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from the media community in India. Several journalist associations have demanded an impartial investigation and strict disciplinary action against the officers involved. A formal petition seeking justice has also been submitted to Indian President Droupadi Murmu.

Political parties and opposition leaders have criticized the administration, asserting that practicing independent journalism and belonging to the Muslim community have increasingly become targets of official hostility in the country.