Reporters' group demands action after female journalists allegedly assaulted by Delhi police

The All Indian Reporters Association (AIRA Press Club) in Kanpur has launched a strong protest against the alleged assault and mistreatment of two female journalists from 4 PM News Network during coverage in Delhi's Saket area. The organization submitted a memorandum to the Kanpur District Magistrate's office demanding an impartial investigation into the entire matter and strict action against the allegedly guilty police personnel.

The memorandum submission was led by District Senior Vice President Suraj Verma and District Senior Minister Talha Hashmi. During this, the AIRA Press Club made it clear in unambiguous terms that assault and harassment of journalists, whether female or male, will not be accepted at any cost.

Speaking to the media, District Senior Vice President Suraj Verma expressed strong opposition to the case. He alleged that the female journalists asked questions to the Chief Minister of Delhi, after which they were allegedly beaten and treated barbarously by the police. He raised the question that if asking questions by journalists itself becomes a crime, then what meaning will independent journalism hold in a democracy.

Suraj Verma also raised questions about the alleged delay in action despite complaints and demanded strict action against the guilty police personnel.

District Senior Minister Talha Hashmi stated bluntly that this case goes beyond a journalist being female or male and is an alleged attack on the fourth pillar of the country. He said that the AIRA Press Club stands shoulder to shoulder with those female journalists of 4PM News Network who were allegedly beaten and mistreated. The organization demanded that the case be investigated impartially, responsibility be fixed based on evidence, and severe legal action be taken against the guilty police personnel.

Talha Hashmi gave a clear warning that the AIRA Press Club will not back down regarding the persecution of journalists. He said that if action is not taken, the AIRA Press Club organization will take to the streets and demonstrate, and if necessary, will go to Delhi and stage a sit-in protest.

After submitting the memorandum, Senior Vice President Suraj Verma of AIRA Press Club informed that the District Magistrate has given assurance that the memorandum will be forwarded to Delhi and the organization's demands will be communicated to officials there. The AIRA Press Club has given a 15-day deadline, stating that if expected action is not taken in the Saket case within this period, the organization's delegation will go to Delhi and stage sit-in protests and demonstrations.

Senior Vice President Suraj Verma clarified that an attack on journalists is an extremely serious matter in a democratic system. The organization says that journalists should get a fear-free environment during coverage and any alleged persecution should be investigated impartially.

The AIRA Press Club also made it clear that it stands firmly with both female journalists of 4PM and will continue to raise its voice until the last breath for the demand of justice. The organization's message is clear, an alleged attack on a journalist is not just an attack on an individual, but a blow to the right of independent journalism. If action is taken, it will be welcomed, but if action is not taken, the AIRA Press Club will not hesitate to adopt the path of agitation.