37 Journalists Detained While Covering Protests in India; Allegations of Assault

At least 37 journalists were detained by police while covering protests demanding the resignation of India’s Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar. Several journalists were also allegedly assaulted, harassed and obstructed in their professional duties. The incidents reportedly took place in New Delhi, Ahmedabad and Pune on October 10 and 11.

The information was published on Monday, October 12, in a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an international organisation that advocates for press freedom and journalists’ rights.

According to CPJ, at least 35 journalists were detained in New Delhi. Two more were detained while covering solidarity protests in Ahmedabad and Pune. They included Kinjal, a reporter for Alt News, and Divya Ashlesha, a journalist with Scroll.

Kunal Majumder, CPJ’s Asia-Pacific programme coordinator, said journalists had faced detention, assaults, harassment and obstruction while covering the protests. He described the incidents as alarming for India’s democratic traditions and inconsistent with international standards on press freedom.

Detentions Despite Supreme Court Assurances

According to the report, on October 11, judges of India’s Supreme Court secured assurances from the government that journalists, lawyers and other professionals would not be obstructed from carrying out their duties. The court directed that no one should be detained without following due legal procedure. However, further detentions of journalists were reported. Another hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, October 13.

The protests were called by the youth-led political movement Cockroach Janata Party, student organisations and opposition parties, demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Protesters alleged that eligible voters had been removed from electoral rolls during a nationwide revision exercise. The Election Commission and the government denied the allegations.

Delhi Police denied permission for the protests, citing insufficient advance notice and concerns about a possible deterioration in law and order. Restrictions were also imposed on gatherings in central New Delhi. Authorities limited access to dozens of metro stations, cancelled some train services and suspended internet services near protest sites and temporary detention centres.

Around 23,000 paramilitary personnel and at least 15,000 Delhi Police officers were reportedly deployed in connection with the protests.

Allegations of Assault and Seized Equipment

CPJ reported that some journalists were dragged into police vehicles even after showing their press cards. According to media reports and journalists’ accounts, at least five journalists were assaulted. Police also allegedly seized mobile phones, while at least one journalist was pressured to delete recorded video footage. Some journalists were reportedly taken to detention centres about 65 kilometres from the protest site.

Journalist Rana Ayyub alleged that police struck her with a baton, leaving her injured. She told CPJ that she was still experiencing pain.

The report also said that Piku TV journalists Vedant Agarwal and Sara Khan were detained while filming the arrest of protesters. Independent journalist Shyam Meera Singh was also allegedly harassed before being detained. CPJ further reported that his X account was subsequently suspended in India.

CPJ said it had sought comment from Delhi Police regarding the allegations of journalist detentions and harassment but had not received an immediate response.