A.P. Congress condemns alleged assault of two women journalists in Delhi

Leaders of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee condemned the alleged illegal detention and assault of two young Muslim women journalists from Delhi, Shamin Khan and Nafees Khan.

The party leaders staged a demonstration at the Dharna Centre in Vijayawada on Sunday. Addressing the media, APCC vice-president Kolanukonda Shivaji alleged that the two journalists had been unlawfully detained and subjected to third-degree methods. He said reports indicated that the women were subjected to further physical assault by male police personnel using lathis after the police came to know that they belonged to the Muslim minority community. The alleged assault left them unable to walk properly, he said.

Mr. Shivaji alleged that suppressing those who questioned the government, harassing them, foisting false cases and invoking harsh laws against them had become a regular practice under the Narendra Modi government. He criticised the BJP and its alliance partners for making claims about protecting women and promoting slogans such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, while allegedly failing to protect the rights and dignity of women.

“We demand strict action against those responsible for the alleged assault at Saket Police Station,” he said, calling for the immediate suspension of the officials responsible.

Referring to remarks reportedly made by the RSS chief in New York that Muslims in India were being treated without discrimination, Mr. Shivaji said they were in sharp contrast to what he described as attacks, hate campaigns and attempts to create communal tensions against Muslims by BJP and RSS-affiliated groups.

“The attack on young journalists is an attack on democracy. It is also an attack on the freedom and dignity of women,” he said. He added that the Gen Z generation viewed such actions as a direct assault on its democratic rights and freedoms.

Mr. Shivaji demanded that the Union Home Minister make a statement on the incident and ensure a fair and impartial inquiry, followed by strict action against those found responsible.

Among those who participated in the protest were party leaders Fakir Ahmed, Khurshida, S.K. Baji, Misala Rajeswara Rao, M.K. Beg, Mandepudi Sunitha, Aziz, Shareef, Syed Khader Mohiuddin, Azmath and Ramana.