Fourth Pillar Under Attack: Alleged Assault of Muslim Women Journalists at Saket Police Station Is a Shameful Incident — M. Yaqoob Dunoo
New Delhi/Srinagar, 4th September 2026, M. Yaqoob Dunoo, National Spokesperson, National Loktantrik Party (NLP), has expressed deep shock and serious concern over the allegations of assault and harassment involving women journalists at Saket Police Station in New Delhi.
According to reports, journalists Shaheen Khan and Nafisa Khan, who were covering a public event in Saket, were detained and taken to the police station. The journalists have alleged that they were physically assaulted and that the alleged treatment became more severe after their Muslim identity was revealed. Delhi Police, however, has denied the allegations and stated that the journalists were taken to the police station in connection with an alleged obstruction of a designated VVIP route.
M. Yaqoob Dunoo said: “If the allegations of assault on women journalists are found to be true, this is not merely an incident of police misconduct—it is a direct assault on the freedom of the press and the democratic values guaranteed by our Constitution.”
The Press is the fourth pillar of democracy. Journalists must have the freedom to ask questions, report facts and perform their professional duties without fear, intimidation or discrimination. Any attempt to silence a journalist through physical force, threats or humiliation is unacceptable in a democratic country.
What makes the allegations particularly disturbing is the claim that the journalists were subjected to harsher treatment after their Muslim identity became known. If established through an impartial investigation, any religion-based discrimination or abuse by police personnel would be completely unacceptable and must invite strict legal action.
Dunoo further said that the matter cannot be dismissed merely as a political controversy. The allegations deserve a transparent, time-bound and independent investigation, including examination of CCTV footage, police records, medical reports and statements of all concerned persons.
“Today it is a Muslim woman journalist. Tomorrow it could be someone else. Democracy cannot function when journalists are made to feel that asking questions is a crime,” Dunoo said.
He also questioned the repeated political emphasis on “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao”, stating: “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao cannot remain merely a slogan for political speeches and election campaigns. If a woman journalist can allegedly be humiliated or assaulted while performing her professional duty, then society has every right to ask—where is the protection, dignity and security promised to our daughters?”
Dunoo said that women journalists deserve respect, security and equal protection of law, irrespective of their religion, profession, political views or social background.
He welcomed the concern expressed by various journalists' organisations and supported the demand for an impartial inquiry. Press bodies including the Press Club of India, Indian Women’s Press Corps, Delhi Union of Journalists and other journalist organisations have called for a fair investigation into the allegations.
National Loktantrik Party (NLP) Demands:
1. An impartial and time-bound investigation into the allegations.
2. Immediate preservation and examination of CCTV footage from the relevant locations.
3. Independent verification of the journalists’ medical reports and injuries.
4. If the allegations are established, strict criminal and departmental action against every responsible police official, irrespective of rank.
5. A clear investigation into the allegation of religion-based discrimination or abuse.
6. Adequate protection and safety for the journalists involved.
7. A mechanism to ensure that journalists can perform their professional duties without intimidation or unlawful interference.
M. Yaqoob Dunoo concluded, The National Loktantrik Party stands firmly for democracy, constitutional rights, freedom of the press and dignity of women. We may disagree with a journalist's questions, views or reporting, but nobody has the right to silence a journalist through force. The truth must come out through an independent investigation, and accountability must follow if wrongdoing is established.
