Journalists Covering Protest Against Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation Detained in Delhi

New Delhi: Police detained journalists who had arrived to cover the protest at Jantar Mantar demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. The journalists were allegedly dragged along the road and forced into a police van while reporting. They were detained despite showing their press identity cards and repeatedly identifying themselves as members of the media.

Police did not explain where the journalists were being taken or why they were being detained. News portal Newslaundry confirmed that its journalists Ashwin Kumar Singh, Aastha Savyasachi and Anmol Pritam had been taken into custody. Their office phones were also seized. Around 30 people were reportedly crammed into a single van.

Videos circulating on social media show people inside the van holding up their press identity cards. When they said they were journalists, police allegedly questioned what kind of media they represented before dragging them away.

Police also prevented Ankit Raj and Tarun Sahu, reporters with The Wire, from recording videos. Content creators who promote Left-wing views were also detained. Reporter TV journalists Roshni Rajan and Farsa T M were among those taken into custody. They were allegedly forced into a van while filming on their mobile phones a protest march by CPI(M) leaders, student organisation leaders and activists.

Several social media influencers have also been detained by Delhi Police. People gathering in groups were reportedly identified and taken away even before the protest began.

Delhi Police are carrying out a widespread crackdown against the agitation, according to the account. Senior CPI(M) leaders, including Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan, are also being driven around the city in police vehicles following their detention.